LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



©^jL^%jp#%$ T)n- 



Sliel 



frrir 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



CT 



188/ 



A 

HISTOKY 



OP THE 



UNITED STATES 



IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER 



FROM A.D. 432 TO THE PRESENT TIME 






y 






3 




New York 
THE WORLD 

31 and 32 Park Row 



\ 
V 



Copyright, 1880. 

i>V ROBKRT JAMKS 15KliFORD 






PREFACE, 



The present work gives, on a somewhat novel plan, a complete 
history of the United States from the earliest times to the present 
day. No work of the same compass contains anything like so full 
and detailed a record of the events of that history. The work- 
being in chronological form, events are recorded in the exact order 
in which they happened; and, in the case of important occurrences, 
the precise day is given. The history is not a mere political record; 
but inventions, discoveries, and financial, economical, scientific, art, 
and literary matters, and the deaths of important personages, are 
noted. One unique merit of a history modelled on the plan of the 
present work is that it will never become antiquated. The date 
of an important event, once ascertained, is fixed forever. N.it. being 
a matter of opinion, it is not liable to change with the fluctuating 
results of historical criticism. The future, consequently, will render 
necessary only the addition of the records of the years as they 
pass, so as to keep the work up to date. Though the greatest 
care has been taken to ensure accuracy, it is too much to hope 
that, in the immense multiplicity of events, names, and dates recorded, 
errors have not crept in. Should the reader note any such, the 
publishers will take it as a favor to be informed of them, with a 

view to their correction in subsequent editions. 

Editor, 



PRINCIPAL CONTENTS, 



Pre-historical - • 

Early voyages to America - 

Columbus's voyages ...«.., 

Voyages of the Cabots, Verrazzano, etc. - 

De Soto's expedition - - 

Early French settlements .... - 

Spaniards colonize Florida - 

Virginia permanently colonized - 

Dutch colonies in New Netherlands 

The Pilgrim Fathers colonize Plymouth 

Settlements in New Hampshire and New Jersey - 

Massachusetts Bay Co. chartered .... 

The Dutch in Delaware - 

Maryland colonized ...... 

Connecticut and Rhode Island settled ... 

Swedes colonize Delaware ..... 

The Dutch of New Netherlands annex SwediNii settlements in 
. N Delaware ...... 

Carolina settled ... - 

Britain conquers the New Netherlands ... 

Discovery of the northern Mississippi 

Pennsylvania colonized - 

La Salle's attempted colonization in Texas 

The English revolution of 1688 ..... 

Mississippi colonized by the French - 

Washington born - 

Britain conquers Canada 

Canada and Florida ceded to Britain 

Britain taxes the Colonies - - 

The War of Independence begins 

Declaration of Independence 

Burgoyne surrenders at Saratoga - - - 

Cornwall is surrenders at Ynrktown -'"--.- 

Peace with Britain; the Independence of the United States 

acknowledged; Florida ceded to Spain 
The Colonies form a Federal Union - 
The first National Congress meets ... 

Washington elected first President ... 

Vermont admitted to the Union • 

Naval warfare witli France .«.••- 
Death of Washington » * • • 



11 

11-13 
13 

13-15 

15-16 

16 

16 

18 

18-19 

20 

21 

22 

22 

23 

24 

25 

30 

33 

34-5 

38 

42 

44-5 

47 

51 

60 

69 

69 

70 

79-80 

82-3 

86 

95 

96 

100-1 
102 
102 
104 
110-1 
111 



Contents (Continued). 



The Louisiana purchase (1803) ... « 118 

War with Great Britain (1812-4) ... - 117-9 

Florida acquired from Spain ... - 121-2 

The Missouri Compromise agreed to ... 122 

Seminole war in Florida ..... 143-6 

The Ashburton Treaty signed; the boundary between Maine 

and Canada settled .... - 15G 

Fremont's explorations, and the opening up of the Great West 156-0 
The Mexican War begins ..... 163 

The Oregon boundary question settled with Britain - 165 

Peace with Mexico; New Mexico, California, etc. ceded to the 

United .Slates - - - - . 168-t 

The Kansas-Nebraska Bill passed, virtually annulling the Mis- 
souri Compromise - - 17b 
The Dred-Scott case decided - - -186 
Lincoln elected President - .... 195 

South Carolina secedes .... - n& 

The Civil War begins . .... 198 

Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation .... 206-7 

The Draft Blots in New York - 211 

Lee surrenders to Grant, and the Civil War ends - 216 

Lincoln assassinated. ..... . 216 

Contest between President Johnson and Congress • - 220 

The Alaska, purchase .... - 221 

President Johnson impeached ... . . 222 

Gold panic in New York (" Black Friday"). - - 226 

The Washington Treaty signed - - - 229 

The " Tweed King " frauds exposed - - 280 

The Chicago hre - ..... 281 

The Geneva award on the Alabama claim i - - 233 

The Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition . - 242 

The Bland Silver Bill passed - ► 250 

Specie payments resumed ... -, . 252 

President Garfield assassin? ed « * 259 

Death of Gen. Graut - « * 468 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE 

The Capitol at Washing-ton, ----- Frontispiece. 

George Washington, - Frontispiece. 

Our Revolutionary Sires, -------- 12 

Patriot Revolutionary Generals, -------14 

British Revolutionary Generals, -.-—-«..- 20 
Thomas Jefferson, ---------54 

Naval Heroes of the Past, ------- 30 

Presidents (First Group), 102 

Presidents (Second Group), 134 

Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. "Don't give up the 

Ship," 106 

Andrew Jackson, --------- 118 

John C. Fremont, ----- 156 

Gen. Taylor at Buena Vista. Stonewall Jackson at Bull Run, 164 

Zachary Taylor, --------- 152 

Presidents (Third Group), 214 

Abraham Lincoln, -- 194 

Leaders of the Rebellion, -------- 206 

Federal Generals, --------- 176 

Confederate Generals, --------- 178 

Modern Naval Heroes, 192 

The Constitution and the Ouerridre. The Monitor and the 

Merrimac, ---------- 208 

The Attack on Fort Donelson. The Battle of Missionary 

Ridge, 220 

Ulysses S. Grant, 256 

Grover Cleveland, --••*••»- 270 



HISTORY 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES 



The native races of northern Asia and the Indians of 
America — both North and South — are classed as belonging to 
the same Mongoloid variety of the human race; but whether 
America was originally peopled from Asia, or Asia from Amer- 
ica, is a problem which pro-historic research has not yet solved. 
Columbus, when he touched land in 1492, believed he had 
reached India, and consequently called the natives Indians. 
How long the Continent had been peopled before his advent is 
unknown, but ancient remains, such as the mounds in the Mis- 
sissippi valley, the pro-historic copper-mines south of Lake 
Superior, and the shell-mounds (kitchen-middings) along the 
sea-coasts, attest the fact than an aboriginal people, or most 
likely two aboriginal peoples, had existed in what is now the 
United States for an indefinite period extending over many 
hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. Our ancestors, the 
colonists of this country, found the native Indians divided into 
numerous tribes, speaking different languages or dialects. East 
of the Mississippi the chief of these, with their probable num- 
bers about A. D. 1650, were: the Algonquin tribes, 90,000; the 
Sioux or Dakotas, 3000; the Huron-Iroquois, 17,000; Catawbas, 
3000; Cherokees, 12,000; Uchees, 1000; Natchez, 4000; and 
Mobilians, 50,000; or about 180,000 all told. 

A. D. 

432. Fu-sang (supposed to be America) visited by Buddhist monks from 

China who explore the coast. 
464. Hoei-schin (Universal Compassion) and his companions start on 

a second exploration, which may have reached as far as San 

Bias, Mex. 
499. Hoei-schin's report and that of his companions are entered in the 

Chinese Year Books.* 

* These dates are from Johan Friedrich Neumann's translations from 
the Year Books. See "Zobedj : and the Chinese in America. Buda- 
Pesth, 1849. " 1. e. British Museum. "Fn sang: an Inquiry into Chi- 
nese Discoveries in America." New York, 1S68. " The Discovery 
<)f America." Erie, Pa., 1866. 



12 History of the United States. 

725. Irish monka make settlements on the east and south coasts of 

Iceland, which are maintained for nearly a century. 
860. Iceland discovered by the Norsemen and named Snow-land. 

865. Flokko takes a colony to Iceland, but all the cattle perish in the 

winter. 

866. The colony returns to Norway, and the name is changed to Ice- 

land. 

874. Earl Ingolf successfully plants a colony in Iceland, at Reykiavik. 

876. Greenland discovered by Gunnibiorn from the mid-chawnel. 

983. Eric the Red plants a colony in Greenland at Ericsford. 

995. Bjarni sails from Norway to find his father in Greenland. Driven 
out of his course, he sails along the coast of Nova Scotia, New- 
foundland, and Labrador, until he reaches Herjulfness in Green- 
land. These ai-e the first Europeans on record who saw the 
shores of the continent. 

1000. Bjarni having been greatly blamed in Norway for not landing on 

the unknown shores, Lief the Lucky, son of Eric, buys his ship, 
and with Bjarni and 35 men sails back along the coast. New- 
foundland is named Flat-land ; Nova Scotia, Woodland. The 
first landing is on an island near Cape Cod, and a permanent 
camp is made at Mt. Hope Bay, in Rhode Island, the country 
being named Vinland. 

1001. The expedition returns to Greenland loaded with grapes and 

timber. Lief succeeds his father. 

1003. Thorwald, Eric's brother, leads a second expedition to Vinland, 

wintering in Mt. Hope Bay, and exploring Long Island Sound 
to New York Harbor. A wooden shed is found, but no inhabi- 
tants are yet seen by any one. 

1004. Thorwald explores the New England coast and kills eight Esqui- 

maux. A skirmish with others follows. Thorwald is killed, and 
the Esquimaux escape in their skin boats. Thorwald is buried 
on the shore of Massachusetts Bay. 

1005. The expedition returns loaded with timber and fruit. 

1006. Thorstein sails for Vinland to bring back his brother's bones, but 

returns unsuccessful and dies. 

1007. Thorfinn, of Iceland, and Thorvard, Lief's brother-in-law, sail 
with three ships and a colony of 140 men and women from Ice- 
land and Greenland, and winter at Buzzard's Bay, after stop- 
ping at various points on the New England coast. Snorri,* first 
European child, born to Thorfinn and his wife Gudrid. 

1008. The winter proves severe and ten colonist start back. Reports 

say they land in Ireland and are made slaves. The others con- 
tinue their voyage and settle at Mt. Hope. 

1009. An attack by Esquimaux on the colony is repulsed. 

1010. The colony returns to Greenland with two Esquimaux boys a? 

prisoners. 

1011. Two ships and sixty men and women under Thorvard and Helg. 

sail for Lief's booths at Mt. Hope. Their followers quarrel 
concerning possession of the houses, and all Helgi's party, 



* Ancestor of Thorwaldfien, the sculptor, and Magnusson, the scholar. 



t 





Patrick Henry. 



Benjamin Franklin. 




'" : -::-V::">«&; f 

Robert Morris. 




Jon?* Hancock. 

Que Revolutionary &/m 




Alex. Hamilton. 



History of the United States. 13 

1011. thirty-seven in number, are murdered by the others, Freydis, 
Thorvard's wife, killing five women with an axe. 

1012. The survivors return. Lief refuses to punish his sister, Freydis; 

but the horrors of that winter in Vinland end further attempts 

at colonization. * 
1170. Madoc, a prince of Wales, according to tradition sails westward 

with a fleet, and returns to report that he had left his followers 

in a pleasant country. He departs again with ten ships, and is 

never heard from again. 
1380. Nicolo Zeno sails into the Atlantic in search of adventures, visits 

Greenland, and reports in private letters the discovery of many 

strange lands and islands not now in existence. 
1887. All the reports of Greenland voyages are collected in the "Codex 

Flatoiensis, which is completed in 1395, and deposited in the 

monastery of Flato, Iceland, f 
14G7. Columbus visits Iceland on a trading voyage. 
1484. Alonzo Sanchez is reported to have been driven by a storm to land 

across the Atlantic, and to have found a refuge with Columbus 

on his return. 

1492. Columbus, with three vessels, sails from Palos, in Spain (3 Aug.), 

and discovers one of the Bahamas (12 Oct., O. S.). [Its identity 
is yet undetermined ; some think it was Cat Island, others 
Watling, others Grand Turk ; Capt. Fox, of the U. S. Navy, 
thinks it was Samana or Atwood Cay.] Columbus discovers 
Cuba (28 Oct.) ; Hayti (6 Dec), and there build3 a fort and 
leaves a settlement of 39 men (Villa de la Navidad). 

1493. He arrives in the Tagus (4 March \ and in Palos, Spain (15 March); 

sails fi\m Cadiz (25 Sep.); discovers Porto Rico (Nov.); reaches 
Hayti (12 Nov.), and finds Villa de la Navidad burnt and desert- 
ed; he founds Isabella, Hayti (Dec). 

1494. He discovers Jamaica (3 May). 

1496. San Domingo, in Hayti, is founded (4 Aug.). 

1497. John and Sebastian Cabot discover Prima Vista (probably Cape 

Breton), 24 June, and coast along North America for 900 miles. 

1498. John Cabot again explores the North American coast. 

1499. Sebastian Cabot explores the coast from Labrador to 38° N. He 

calls the country Baccallaos. 

1500. The Portuguese, under Gaspar Cortereal, explore the coast be- 

tween 60 6 and 50° N. 

1501. He goes on a second expedition, with two ships, and brings away 

57 natives for slaves ; his ship is lost and he is never heard of 
again; the other ship reaches Portugal (8 Oct.), with 7 natives. 



* These dates are taken from " Antiquitates Americana ; Antiquarian 
Society of Denmark, Copenhagen;" and the "Codex Flatoiensip " 

t Now in the Royal Library at Copenhagen. 



14 'History of the United States. 

1501. Henry "VH. issues a patent to colonize the New World ; never 
acted on. Negro slavery is authorized in Spanish America 
by royal ordinance. 

1504. French mariners establish fisheries off Newfoundland and Cape 
Breton, and frequent the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

1506. Jean Denis sails from Honileur to Newfoundland. 

1508. Thomas Aubert and Giovanni da Venazzano, a Florentine, 

with two ships, sail from Dieppe to Newfoundland ; discover 
and name tbe Kiver St. Lawrence, and ascend it about 189 
miles ; trade with tbe natives, and carry 7 back to France. 

1509. Juan de Esquibal makes the first Spanish settlement in Ja- 

maica. Boiriquen Island (Porto Rico) is subjugated, and 
Juan Ponce de Leon made governor. 

1510. A .Spanish settlement is made at Santa Maria de la Antigua, 

on the isthmus of Darien, with Vasco Nunez de Balboa as 
governor. 

1511. Diego Velasquez, with 300 Spaniards, overruns and conquers 

Cuba, and founds Baracoa. 

1512. A Spanish expedition from Porto Rico, under Ponce de Leon, 

discovers the east coast of Florida, 30° 8' N. (2 Ap.), doubles 
Cape Florida, and explores the coast as far as Apalachee Bay, 
and claims the country for Spain. 

1513. Balboa crosses the isthmus of Panama, and discovers the 

Pacific Ocean (25 Sep.). 

1514. Santiago, in Cuba, founded. 

1515. Velasquez founds San Cristobal, in Cuba, at the mouth of the 

river Guines. 

1516. Diego Miruelo, a Spanish sea-captain of Cuba, traffics with the 

natives of Florida. 

1517. Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba sails from Cuba (Feb.) ; dis- 

covers and explores Yucatan ; touches at Florida ; and re- 
turns to Cuba. S. Cabot discovers the inland sea afterwards 
called Hudson Bay. 

1518. Juan de Grijalva sails from Cuba (1 May), explores the coast 

from Yucatan to Panuco, and names the country Mexico. 

1519. Hernando Cortez, with 800 men, sails from Cuba (18 Feb.) to 

Mexico, and founds Vera Cruz ; he conquers Mexico (Nov.). 
The settlement at St. Cristobal, Cuba, is transferred, under 
the name of Havana, to its present site. Three ships, under 
Alonso Alvarez de Pineda (sent by Francisco de Garay, gov- 
ernor of Jamaica), explore the coast from Florida to Panuco 
in Mexico, passing the mouth of the " River of the Holy 
Spirit" (Mississippi) ; Alvarez and many of his followers are 
killed by the natives. 

1520. Spaniards from Hayti, under Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon, explore 

the coast of Cbicora and Gualdapc (S. Carolina and Georgia), 
as far as the river Jordan (Santee, or Combahee), and take off 
two ship-loads of natives for slaves ; one of the ships is lost. 

1521. Ponce do Leon returns to Florida, but is mortally wounded by 

the natives, and his party is beaten off. 
1524 Verrazzano sails with two ships from France ; reaches Madeira ; 
sails thence with one ship (17 Jan.); reaches Nuova Terra, 
"the New Land" (10 Mar., O. S.), in lat, 34° N. (near Cape 
Fear, N. C.) ; explores the coast from Florida to Newfound* 





Gen. Charles Lee. 



Gen. Anthony Wayne. 




Gen. Israkl Putnam. 





Gen. Nat. Green. Gen. Horatio Gates. 

Patriot Revolutionary Genera fs. 



History of the United States. 15 

land — passes the mouth of the Chesapeake in the night; lands 
and sights Chesapeake Bay, believing - it to be the "Western 
Sea (the Pacific or Indian Ocean, Mare Indieum) ; discovers 
(Ap.)the Cape of St. Mary (Sandy Hook), the Narrows, Upper 
New York Bay, and the mouth of the "Grande" or "Great" 
River (the Hudson) ; coasts along Long Island ; discovers 
Luisa Island (Block Island, R. I. ) ; anchors in Narragansett 
Bay (21 Ap. to 6 May, O. S.) ; discovers Martha's Vineyard 
and Nantucket; coasts along Maine to 43° N., and thence to 
50° N., and sails to France, reaching Dieppe (July). He held 
intercourse and traded with the natives at various points, 
and claimed for France the whole territory, which soon 
became known as Francesca. The portion from the Great 
River (Hudson) to the Gulf of St. Lawrence became known as 
La Terre d'Anormee Berge, "the Land of the Grand Scarp," 
so called from the Palisades on the Hudson, afterwards ab- 
breviated into Noromberge, Noremberge, Norumberge, or 
Norumbega. 

1525. De Ayllon sails from Hayti, with 6 vessels, and 500 men ; 

again visits Chicora, but over 200 are killed by the natives, 
150 arrive at Hayti ; Ayllon dies (18 Oct.). — A Spanish ship, 
under Stephen Gomez, enters the bays of "the Land of 
Gomez " (New York and New England) in search of a north- 
west passage to the Pacific, and carries off a cargo of Indians 
as slaves. 

1526. Verrazzano makes a third voyage to America, but he and 

some of his men are killed, roasted, and eaten by the natives 
in presence of those on board ship. 
1528. A party of 300 Spaniards, under Pamphilo de Narvaez, land 
(probably in Apalachee Bay, Fla„), journey 800 miles through 
the interior, embark at Pensacola, but are lost at sea except 
four survivors, who, after eight years of hardship, reach the 
Pacific, at Sonora, through Mexico. 

1534. Jacques Cartier, under a commission from Francis I., leaves 

France (20 Ap.), lands in and takes possession of Labrador for 
France ; discovers the Strait of Belleisle ; enters the Gulf of 
St. Lawrence ; sails for France (15 Aug.) ; reaches St. Malo 
(5 Sep.). 

1535. Grijalva's expedition from Mexico, equipped by Cortes, dis- 

covers California. 

1535. Cartier ascends the St. Lawrence as far as Hochelaga (Montreal) 

and claims the country (New France or Canada) for France. 
He winters near Quebec, and returns to France (May, 1536) 
with 10 lddnapped Indians, reaching St. Malo (6 July). 

1536. Cabeza de Vaca, a Spaniard, traverses New Mexico, Colorado, 

and Arizona, visiting Zuni, N. M., and reaches the Pacific at 
Sonora. 

1538. Havana is partially destroyed by pirates. 

1539-43. Fernando de Soto, with 600 Spaniards, sails from Havana 
(May, 1539) ; journeys through Florida and Georgia ; fights a 
battle with the natives (Oct. 1540) at Ma villa (on the Alabama, 
below Selma, Ala.) ; discovers the Mississippi (1541) ; pushes 
north-west to the Ozark Mountains ; and returning discovers 
the Hot Springs, and the Arkansas and Red Rivers, and dies 



16 History of the United State-*. 

of fever near the site of Natchez (21 May, 1541), and is buried 
in the Mississippi. His followers attempt vainly to reach 
Mexico by land ; return to the Mississippi, build boats, descend 
the river (June, 1543), and make their way along the coast to 
the river Panuco, Mexico, which is reached by oil survivors 
(Sep. 1543). 

1540. Jean Francois de la Roque, Sieur de Koberval, is made" viceroy 

of New France (16 Jan.). About this date French fur-factors 
erect a fortified trading-house (called Le Fort d'Anormee 
Berge) on an island in a small fresh- water lake on Manhattan 
Island. About this date they also partly build a castle on 
Castle Island (now Van Rensselaer's Island), in the Grand 
River (Hudson), near the site of Albany, but the structure is 
damaged by a freshet and abandoned. [The fresh- water lake 
on Manhattan Island then covered the district between what 
are now Franklin, Elm, Duane, and Baxter Streets, and emp- 
tied into the Hudson at Canal Street. In 1796 John Fitch 
navigated his steamboat on this lake, which was then called 
the Collect Pond.] 

1541. Cartier sails from St. Malo (May), erects a temporary fort at 

Quebec, winters at Hochelaga, and returns to France (June, 
1542). 

1542. A French expedition under Roberval, with Jean Alphonse as 

pilot, sails to America, explores Long Island Sound, and as- 
cends the Norombegue or Grand River (Hudson) to the head 
of navigation ; but the French abandon the country in 1543. 

1542. Spaniards from Mexico, under Cabrillo, a Portuguese, trace the 
Pacific coast as far as 43° 30' N. (the Umpqua River, Oregon). 

1547. Puritanism takes its rise in England in the reign of Edward 
VI. 

1549. Roberval is said to have again sailed from France for America, 
but he never returned, and probably perished at sea. 

1549. Louis Cancello, a Spanish Dominican, goes to Florida as a 
missionai-y, but is lulled by the natives, and his party is 
beaten off. 

1556. Andre Thevet, a French geographer, on his return from Brazil 
to France, coasts along North America from Florida to New- 
foundland. 

1562. French Huguenots, under Jean Ribault, discover the river 
May (the San Matheo of the Spaniards, now the St. Johns), 
Florida (Ap.) ; build at Port Royal (S. C.) a fort, named Caro- 
lina after Charles IX. ; and leave 26 colonists. They are re- 
duced by famine ; the remnant embark, and are picked up by 
an English vessel. 

1562. Sir John Hawkins transports a cargo of negroes from Africa 
to Hayti, and so begins the English slave-trade. 

1564. A French expedition, under Rene Goulaine de Laudonniere and 

Ribault, reaches Florida (22 June), erects Fort Caro^n* at the 
mouth of the May (St. Johns), and leaves a colony. 

1565. These colonists are relieved by Hawkins (May) ; afterwards bj 

Ribault. An expedition from Spain under Pedro Menendez 
de Aviles drives off Ribault's fleet (Aug.), and founds St. 
Augustine (8 Sep.), the oldest town in the U. S. Ribault's 
fleet is wrecked on the coast. Menendez captures Fort Caro- 



History of the United States. 

Una, massacres nearly 200 men, women, and children (21 Sep.), 
only a few escaping ; he also massacres the survivors from 
the shipwreck. 

A French expedition under Dominic de Gorges attack the 
Spaniards at Fort Carolina, Fla., with partial success ; hang 
all their prisoners (3 May, 1568) in revenge for the massacre ; 
but return to France, and Spain retains dominion over 
Florida. 

One hundred and fifty French vessels are engaged in the New- 
foundland fisheries. 

Drake sails along the Pacific coast as far as 43° N. (Cape Blanco, 
Oregon), naming the country New Albion. 

The rise of the Independents in England under Robert Brown. 

Philip Amidas and Arthur Barlow, sent out by Raleigh, land 
on Wocoken Island (N. C.) in July ; take possession of the 
country in the name of the Queen, who names it Virginia ; 
and return to England (Sep.) with 2 natives. 

Sir Richard Grenville, acting for Raleigh, leaves a colony on 
Roanoke Island (N. C.), under Ralph Lane. 

These colonists massacre the Indians and explore the coast- 
Drake arrives (June), and takes them back to England, where 
they introduce tobacco and the potato. Shortly afterward 
Grenville arrives and leaves another colony of 15 on Roanoke 
Island. 

A fleet under John White, sent by Raleigh, arrives and finds 
the colony destroyed by the Indians (July). He leaves 
another colony of 108, builds a fort, and founds Raleigh. 
Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the U. S., is 
born. Two vessels, despatched by Raleigh to relieve the 
colony, are driven back t>y the Spaniards. 

White sails to Roanoke, finds the colony destroyed, and returns 
to England. The fate of the colonists has never been ascer- 
tained. 

Two Dutch expeditions (under Bikker and Ley en) voyage to 
America. 

The Marquis de la Roche forms a temporary French settlement 
on Sable Island, off Nova Scotia. 

A written plan for a Dutch West India Co. is communicated to 
the States-General, but is not acted on. 

An English expedition under Bartholomew Gosnold, sent by 
the Earl of Southampton, discovers Massachusetts Bay, lan£ 
at Cape Cod (14 May), builds on Cuttyhunk (one of the Eliz- 
beth Islands) the first house in Massachusetts, and a fort, be- 
gins a colony there, and traffics with the natives ; all return 
to England (June). 

Henry IV. makes Samuel de Champlain general-lieutenant 
of Canada ; he sails from Honfleur (15 Mar.), entei-s the St. 
Lawrence, and selects Quebec as a site for a fort. Henry rV 
grants (Nov.) to De Monts the territory (Acadia) from 40° to 
46° N. {i.e., from the latitude of Philadelphia to that of Mon- 
treal). 

Queen Elizabeth dies (24 Mar.) ; James I. succeeds. Martin 
Pring sails from England (Ap.) 5 and explores the coast of 
Maine and Massachusetts. 



History of the United (States. 

1604. De Monts sails from France (Mar.), and attempts a settle- 
ment and erects a fort on St. Croix Island (Maine) ; Poutrin- 
court, one of De Monts' leaders, settles at Port Royal (Nova 
Scotia). 

1604. James I. threatens to make the Puritans conform or "harry 

them out of the kingdom or else worse." 

1605. Champlainand De Monts sail from France ; remove the French 

colony from St. Croix to Port Royal (N. S.); visit the river 
St. John(N. B.) and Grand Manan Island ; explore the coast 
as far as Cape Cod ; and claim the country for France. 
Champlain returns to France in 1607, and Port Royal is de- 
serted in a few years. 

1605. George Weymouth, sent by the Eai-1 of Southampton, explores 

the coast of Maine (May), enters the Penobscot, and carries 
home five natives. 

1606. Pring again explores the coast of Maine. 

1606. James I. grants a patent (10 Ap.) to colonize " Virginia " to 

two companies : one for Southern Virginia (34°-38° N.), the 
London Co.; the other for Northern Virginia (41°-45° N.), the 
West of England Co.; the intermediate district (38°-41° N. x 
open to both companies. The London Co. sends 3 ships witt 
105 emigrants, under Newport, Gosnold, and John Smith, to 
Southern Virginia (19 Dec). 

1607. The expedition enters Chesapeake Bay (26 Ap.), and founds 

at Jamestown (14 May) the first permanent English colony in 
the United States ; 50 die before Sep., including Gosnold. 
Smith, while exploring the Chickahominy, is captured by 
Indians (Dec), but after about three weeks' detention is sent 
back by Powhatan to Jamestown. The story as to his life 
being saved by Pocahontas is apocryphal, having been in- 
vented by Smith some years afterwai'ds. 

1607. The West of England Co. send two ships, under Raleigh Gilbert 

and George Popham, to colonize " Northern Virginia ; " they 
arrive at the Sagadahoc (Kennebec), Maine (Aug.), and leave 
45 emigrants at "St. George ; " but Popham dies, they suifer 
hardship, and return to England in 1608. 

1608. Puritans ("Pilgrims") under Robinson and Brewster leave 

England to escape persecution, and settle at Leyden, in Hol- 
land. 

1608. Champlain, acting for merchants of Dieppe and St. Malo. sails 

from France, and founds Quebec, the first permanent French 
settlement in Canada. 

1609. He allies with the Hurons against the Iroquois (Five Nations), 

and in company with Hurons discovers and explores Lake 
Champlain. (The Five Nations were the Onondagas, Sene 
cas, Cayugas, Oneidas, and Mohawks ; they occupied the 
country south of Lake Ontario, from the Niagara River to tht 
Hudson.) 
1609. An Anglo-Dutch expedition under Henry Hudson, sent by the 
Dutch East India Co., sails from Amsterdam (4 Ap.), sights 
Cape Cod and names the country New Holland ; discovers 
Delaware Bay (28 Aug.); enters Lower New York Bay (3 Sep.), 
and the Hudson (11 Sep.), which he ascends beyond Albany; 
he names the country New Netherlands. 



ilistory of the frnited States. 19 

A new charter to the London Co. (23 May) limits their territory 
to 200 miles north of Old Point Comfort. Smith's administra- 
tion gives dissatisfaction to the colonists, and he is deposed 
and sent to England (Sep. ). The Co. appoint Lord Delaware 
governor. 

Lord Delaware arrives in Virginia with emigrants and supplies 
(June), but, falling ill, returns home ; the colonists number 
about 200. 

The Dutch put up a few rude hovels on Manhattan Island, as 
a temporary summer shelter for the sailors ; the origin of 
New York City. 

Sir Thomas Dale arrives in Virginia as governor, with emi- 
grants (10 May), and, to save the colony from anarchy and 
ruin, he institutes martial law. Sir Thomas Gates arrives 
as governor (Aug.), with 6 ships and 300 emigTants, making 
700 colonists in all. Dale founds Henrico (now Richmond). 

French Jesuit priests arrive in Acadia (June), and convert 
some natives. 

A third charter of " Southern Virginia " is granted to the Lon- 
don Co. (Mar. ), creating a democratic form of government. 
Lotteries are established, which bring the Co. £29,000. 

De Biencourt and Father Biart explore the coast of Maine as 
far as the Kennebec, ascend the river, and acquire the friend- 
ship of the Abenakis, Algonquins, and Canibas. 

Captain Samuel Argall captures Pocahontas, who is baptized 
and marries John Rolfe (5 Ap.), and is thenceforth known as 
Rebecca Rolfe. 

De Saussaye (or Saucy) erects a French colony at St. Sauveur, 
Mount Desert Island, Maine. Native converts perform re- 
ligious services. Argall, in an armed vessel from Virginia, 
captures and pillages St. Sauveur, and destroys De Monts' 
deserted settlements at St. Croix and Port Royal. He enters 
New York Harbor and finds some hovels erected by the 
Dutch on Manhattan Island. 

Gates returns to England, leaving Dale as deputy-governor of 
Virginia. Tobacco is widely planted and becomes the staple 
product and currency. White servants begin to be bought 
in England for service in Virginia, to be resold there to the 
highest bidder. 

John Smith sails from England (Ap.), and explores the coast 
from the Penobscot to Cape Cod, and names the country 
New England. 

The Dutch States-General grants a four-years' monopoly of 
trade to adventurers trading with America ; the Dutch erect 
a rude fort on Manhattan Island, and call it New Amsterdam 
(now New York) ; Adrian Blok sails through East River and 
discovers Long Island to be an island. 

Le Caron, a Franciscan, penetrates, by way of Canada, the 
country of the Mohawks south-east of Lake Ontario. 

The Dutch establish a commercial post at Auranea or Orange 
(now Albany), on Castle Island in the Hudson, on the site 
of the castle begun by the French about 1540. 

Governor Dale and Pocahontas go to England (June) ; during 
the winter she becomes the most distinguished person in 



20 History of the United States. , 

London society. — English colonists, under Richard Vines, 
settle temporarily at "Winter Harbor, Maine. 

1617. Pocahontas dies in England (Mar.), aged 21 or 22, leaving one 

son, Thomas Rolfe. Argall is appointed deputy-governor of 
Virginia (May) ; he rules tyrannically ; martial Jaw is still in 
force. 
'CIS. Powhatan, father of Pocahontas, dies ; Opechancanough suc- 
ceeds. 

1618. The mutineers of Rocraft winter on Monhegan Island, Maine. 

The Dutch establish a trading station at Bergen, on Kill van 
Kull (N. J.). 

1619. Argall is removed from the governorship of Virginia ; Sir 

George Yeardley, his successor, arrives (Ap.), and convenes 
(19 June) at Jamestown a colonial assembly, based on univer- 
sal suffrage, the first representative body in America. 1261 
emigrants are sent out, including 90 young women for wives, 
and 100 convicts to be sold as "servants." 

1620. Champlain begins Fort St. Louis, at Quebec. 

1620. Sixty young women, sent to Virginia as wives, are bought at 
from 120 to 150 lbs. of tobacco each. Tobacco is worth 8s. a 
lb. The commerce of Virginia, hitherto monopolized by the 
London Co., is made free. A Dutch man-of-war lands 20 
negroes for sale at Jamestown (Aug.), and so introduces negro 
slavery and the slave-trade. The conditional servitude of 
whites, under indentures, had from the first existed in Vir- 
ginia, the "servants" becoming a common article of traffic, 
salable for from £40 to £60. During the next three years 
3500 emigrants arrive from England. 

1620. The Pilgrim Fathers, under Brewster, leave Holland (22 July), 
and England (6 Sep.) in the Mayflower ; sight land (7 Nov.) ; 
moor in Cape Cod Harbor and adopt a constitution (9 Nov., 
O. S.) ; coast for a landing-place ; repel an attack of Indians ; 
and finally land at Plymouth Rock (21 Dec, N. S.), 101 souls 
in all, one having been accidentally drowned. John Carver 
is elected governor. One-half perish from cold and hardship 
before spring. The Mayflower returns to England (5 Ap., 
1621). 

1620. At the instance of John Smith, James I. grants to the Plym- 

outh Co., of England, consisting of Sir Ferdinando Gorges 
and 39 others, a patent to colonize "New England," between 
40° and 48° N., from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The House 
of Commons strongly opposes this charter. 

1621. The Plymouth Co. grants to John Mason the land between the 

Salem and the head of the Merrimac (Mar. ) ; to the Pilgrims 
their territory (1 June) ; and to Sir W. Alexander the terri- 
tory east of the St. Croix and south of the St. Lawrence, 
called Nova Scotia, and including Acadia (Sep.). 

1621. The Pilgrims make a treaty of amity with the Pokanokets 
under Massasoit (Mar.) ; Carver dies (5 Ap.), Wm. Bradford is 
elected governor in his place. Other chiefs submit to James I. 
(Sep.)., including Canonicus, chief of the Narragansetts. 

1621. Cotton is first planted in Virginia. The London Co. grants 
(24 July) a constitution to Virginia, conferring self-govern- 
ment and trial by jury, which Sir Francis Wyatt, the new 




Lord Rawdon. 




Sir Henry Clinton. 



;!W^ 




Gen. Burgoyne. Lord Cornwallif. 

Br : ' : ~h Revolutionary Generals. 



History of the United States. 21 

governor, takes to the colony. Silk culture engages the at- 
tention of the assembly (Nov. -Dec). 

The Dutch West India Co., with lights from the Straits of 
Magellan to the farthest north, is incorporated for 24 years 
(June). It takes possession of the New Netherlands in 1622. 

In revenge for the murder of an Indian brave, the Indians 
massacre the colonists in Virginia (22 Mar.) ; 347 killed, many 
plantations deserted, and their number reduced from 80 to 
8. Intermittent warfare results for 24 years, until 1646. 

The Plymouth Co. grant to Sir Ferdinando Gorges and John 
Mason the territory ("Laconia") between the St. Lawrence, 
Merrimac, Kennebec, and the ocean (Aug.). 

The Virginia colonists number 2500 ; they attack the Indians 
(July). 

An English Co. settle Portsmouth and Dover, on the Piscat- 
aqua, under Gorges and Mason's grant. Weston, under a 
grant from the Plymouth Co. , fails in an attempt to found a 
colony of 60 persons at Wessagussett (now Weymouth, Mass.); 
the first plantation in Boston Harbor. The colony is renewed 
in 1624, but fails again. Capt. Christopher Levett explores 
the coast of Maine, and builds a house near the site of Port- 
land, but does not make a permanent settlement. 

Cornelius Mey discovers Cape Mey, builds Fort Nassau on 
Timber Creek (below Camden, N. J.), and claims the country 
for the Dutch. Nassau is abandoned before 1631. The 
country from Cape Cod to Delaware Bay becomes known as 
New Netherlands. The first permanent settlements are made 
on Manhattan Island and Long Island (Walloon Bay), and 
Fort Orange (Albany) is erected. 

Danes settle in New Jersey. 

The London Co.'s charter of Virginia is declared void under a 
quo warranto, and James I. makes it a royal province ; Sir 
F. Wyatt is continued as governor. 

Roger Conant, as agent of the Plymouth Co. , founds a settle- 
ment near Cape Anne, Mass. The continued opposition of 
the House of Commons paralyzes the Co., and squatters 
colonize the coast from Cape Cod to the Bay of Fundy. York 
(Maine) is settled about this date. 

Peter Minuit is made director-general of the New Netherlands. 

James I. dies (27 Mar.) ; Charles I. succeeds. 

The Cape Anne settlers return to England, except Roger 
Conant and three others, who leave Cape Anne and found 
Naumkeag (now Salem). 

Jesuit priests go from France to Canada. 

Agents of the Dutch West India Co. buy Manhattan Island 
from the natives for goods worth 60 guilders (about $24). The 
first European child is born on Long Island. 

Peter Minuit, director-general of New Netherlands, arrives at 
New Amsterdam (4 May) ; he begins Fort Amsterdam. 

Pemaquid (Bristol), Maine, settled. 

Wyatt, governor of Virginia, returns to Scotland ; Sir G. 
Yeardley succeeds him. 

A Swedish Colonization Co. is sanctioned by Gustavus Adol- 
phus ; incorporated, May, 1627. 



History of the United States* 

1627. "War between England and France ; it lasts till 1629. 
1627. The Dutch of New Netherlands exchange courtesies with the 
Pilgrims ; De Razier goes as envoy to Plymouth (Oct.). 

1627. Yeardley, governor of Virginia, dies (Nov.) ; Francis West is 

elected governor. 

1628. The first clergyman arrives in New Amsterdam. The English 

capture Port Royal, N. S. Virginia enacts that no treaty 
shall be made with the Indians. 

1628. The Plymouth Co. grant to John Endicott and 25 others the 

territory from three miles south of Massachusetts Bay to 
three miles north of the furthest point of the Merrimac, be- 
tween the Atlantic and the Pacific (19 Mar.). He sails with 
emigrants to Naumkeag (Salem), where Conant welcomes 
them (Sep.). 

1629. Endicott's Co. is chartered as " The Governor and Company of 

the Massachusetts Bay in New England " (4 Mar.) ; Matthew 
Cradock is elected governor. Rev. Francis Higginson arrives 
in Salem with 200 emigrants (June), and finds only about 10 
hovels there. He founds Charlestown (4 July), and estab- 
lishes Puritanism, to which some object, and J. and S. 
Browne are sent back to England. Eighty die before spring, 
including Higginson. The Co. in England assign the charter 
to the colonists (Aug.), thus converting a mercantile com- 

Sany into an independent provincial government ; and elect 
ohn Winthrop governor (Oct.); 406 emigrants are sent from 
England. — Gorges and Mason dissolve partnership ; Mason 
gets a fresh title to the region between the Merrimac and the 
Piscataqua (7 Nov.), which he calls New Hampshire ; Gorges 
gets the region between the Piscataqua and the Kennebec 
(western Maine). 

1629. The Peace of Lubeck between England and France (22 May). 
The English capture Quebec, and conquer all French America, 
but the conquest being - after the treaty the country is restored 
to France in 1632, by the Treaty of St. Germain. 

1629. The College of Nineteen, of Amsterdam, Holland, adopts a 
' ' Charter of Privileges " to promote the colonization of the 
New Netherlands, with a feudal organization. Samuel 
Godyn buys the Indian title to part of Delaware (June). 

1629. John Harvey arrives in Virginia as governor, in place of Pott, 

under a royal commission. 

1630. Biddeford and Saco, in Maine, are founded by Richard Vines 

and John Oldham, under a grant from the Plymouth Co. 
1630. The Plymouth Co. grants " the Colony of Connecticut" to the 

Earl of Warwick. 
1630. Winthrop arrives in Massachusetts with 800 emigrants (June); 

700 more arrive in July ; they find distress and gloom. 

Boston, Watertown, Lynn, Dorchester, and Rochester are 

founded. The fh'st "General Court" ( meets at Boston to 

organize the government (19 Oct.). 
1630. Sir Robert Heath obtains a patent for Carolina (30° to 36° N.). 
1630. Godyn gets an Indian deed for his land in Delaware (July), 

the first deed of land in Del. He and Samuel Bloemart buy 

the Indian title to the east coast of Delaware Bay (N. J.). 

Kiliaen van Rensselaer buys from the Indians 12 miles of 



History of the United States. 23 

land between Fort Orange and the Mohawk River. Michael 
Pauw buys Staten Island and Pavonia (the country round 
Hoboken). De Vries, as agent for Godyn, sails from the 
Texel, with emigrants for Delaware (Dec). 

De Vries plants his Dutch colony of over 300 souls at Lewis- 
town (Del.), and ascends as far as the Schuylkill. 

Roger Williams arrives in Boston (5 Feb.), but finding his 
liberal principles obnoxious, he goes to Plymouth and re- 
mains two years. The population of Plymouth is 300. 

The Earl of Warwick assigns his right to Connecticut to Lord 
Say and Seal, Lord Brooke, John Hampden, and others (19 
Mar.). 

Charles I. grants (May) to a company under William Clayborne 
(a member of the Virginia council) a license to trade with the 
Indians of Virginia ; Harvey, governor of Virginia, confirms 
it. Clayborne founds stations on Kent Island and near the 
Susquehannah, the first settlements in Maryland. 

Charles I. grants "Maryland" to Sir George Calvert, Lord 
Baltimore, who dies (15 Ap.) before the patent is signed, and 
it is issued (20 June) to his son, Cecilius. Virginia vainly pro- 
tests, claiming the territory as part of Virginia. 

Massachusetts founds a representative government, makes 
treaties with the Indians, and establishes intercourse with 
Plymouth colony, Virginia, and New Netherlands. 

De Vries goes to Holland ; on his return to Delaware at the 
close of the year, he finds the colonists left by him all slain 
by the Indians. 

The Dutch, having purchased the Indian title to land on the 
Connecticut, erect a fort (Jan.) called "the House of Good 
Hope" (now Hartford). Wouter Van Twiller arrives in New 
Amsterdam as governor in place of Minuit. 

Haynes, Cotton, Hooker, and Stone come out to Massachusetts. 
Roger Williams returns to Salem, but the action of the 
magistrates compels him to withdraw from the church. 

Traders from Plymouth colony, under Capt. William Holmes, 
found a trading-house at Dorchester (now Windsor), Conn. 

Virginia has about 1000 head of cattle. 

Leonard Calvert, Lord Baltimore's brother, sails (22 Nov.) with 
about 200 emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics, for Maryland. 

He arrives in the Potomac and founds St. Marys (27 Mar.), 
near its mouth. 

Vote by ballot is introduced into Massachusetts ; only the 

f>eople's representatives are allowed to dispose of lands or to 
evy taxes. The General Court passes a sumptuary law to 
regulate dress, prohibiting short sleeves, and other "new 
and immodest fashions," etc. Anne Hutchinson arrives in 
Boston from England. Colonists from Massachusetts found 
Watertown (Wethei-sfield), Conn.; the Pequods murder 
Stone, Horton, and 8 others, but send messengers to Boston 
to offer peace (Nov.). 

Not a single white settler remains within Delaware Bay ; a 
few Swedes remain in Gloucester and Burlington Counties 
(N. J.) 

Charles I. grants to Archbishop Laud and others power over 



24 History of the United States. 

the American plantations, to establish the government, 
regulate the Church, and revoke all charters prejudicial to 
the royal prerogative. The colonists prepare to resist, and 
raise a Defence Fund to build fortifications. 

1635. Massachusetts promulgates a "BUI of Rights;" "God's peo- 
ple should be governed by the laws given by God to Moses." 
The General Court sentences Roger Williams to exile (Oct.) ; 
the people of Salem still adhere to him, and it is resolved to 
send him to England. 

1635. The first popular assembly is convened in Maryland (Feb.). 
Clayborne and his settlers refuse to submit to Baltimore's 
charter, but are defeated in a bloody skirmish. He flees to 
Virginia, and Governor Harvey sends him to England. The 
Virginia council remove Harvey, and make Captain John 
West governor (May). Harvey and his accusers go to Eng- 
land to appeal to the king, who reinstates Harvey. The 
Commissioners of Plantations decide in favor of Baltimore's 
claim to Maryland against Clayborne. 

1635. The younger Winthrop, under a commission from the pro- 
prietaries, founds Saybrook, Conn, (named after Lord Say 
and Seal and Lord Brooke), and erects a fort there ; a sepa- 
rate colony till 1644. Sixty emigrants from Massachusetts go 
overland to Connecticut, and found Newtown (now Hartford); 
they suffer hardship, and many make their way to the sea- 
board. 

1635. The Plymouth Co. divide the whole coast from Acadia to be- 
yond the Hudson among themselves by lot (3 Feb.), and ex- 
ecute deeds to the grantees (22 Ap. ) ; Mason gets the land 
from the Piscataqua to the Salem River, and Gorges the 
land from the Piscataqua to the Kennebec, which he calls 
New Somerset. The Co. then surrender their patent to the 
king (7 June). Mason contends that the patent to Endicott's 
Massachusetts Bay Co. was surreptitiously obtained, and a 
quo warranto is issued against the Co. Mason dies (Nov.), 
his estate becomes ruined, his colonies in New Hampshire 
are left to themselves, and the opposition to the Massachu- 
setts Co. ceases. 

1635. The French expel the English colonists from the Penobscot 

region, Maine. 

1636. Harvey returns to Virginia as governor (Jan.). 

1636. Roger Williams refuses to submit to the order to return to 
England, leaves Salem in the depth of winter (Jan.), wanders 
for 14 weeks in the woods, and at last is welcomed by Mas- 
sasoit and Canonicus, chiefs of the Pokanokets and Narra- 
gansetts. He goes to Renoboth (Seekonk), but finding it 
within the limits of Plymouth colony, removes to Narragan- 
sett Bay and founds Providence (June) ; he is joined by others 
during the next two years. 

1636. Sir F. Gorges, in anticipation of the issue of a royal charter, 
sends his nephew, Capt. William Gorges, to govern New 
Somerset (Maine) ; William convenes the first assembly in 
Maine at Saco (22 Mar.), then a place of about 150 people. 

1636. The General Court of Massachusetts votes a year's revenue to 
found a college ; the assembly is divided into two chambers ; 



Rtstory of the United States. 25 

life magistrates are instituted ; Sir Henry Vane is elected 
governor. Springfield is founded (Sept. ). 

The first assembly in Connecticut is held (26 Ap.) at New- 
town (now Hartford). Long Island is first permanently oc- 
cupied. Rev. Thomas Hooker, with 100 emigrants from 
Newtown, Mass., goes overland and settles at Newtown, 
Conn. (June). The Pequods murder Oldham, near Block 
Island, R. I. (July). The outrage is punished by a sangui- 
nary but ineffectual expedition under Endicott and Underhill 
(Aug.). The Pequods make reprisals and seek to unite the 
Narragansetts and Mohegans to exterminate the whites, but 
at the request of Vane and the Massachusetts council , Roger 
Williams uses his influence to detach the Narragansetts and 
Mohegans from the alliance. 

A court held at Newtown, Conn. (1 Mai'.), changes the names 
of Newtown, Watertown, and Dorchester to Hartford, 
Wethersfield, and Windsor, and resolves to prosecute the 
war against the Pequods. An expedition under John Mason, 
with volunteers from Saybrook under Underhill, and with 
assistance from Massachusetts and the Narragansetts and 
Mohegans, destroys the Pequod tribe. A remnant of about 
200 surrender, and are enslaved by the whites or incorporated 
with the Mohegans and Namigansetts. After the war, dele- 
gates from Connecticut and Massachusetts meet in Boston 
(31 Aug.), for the purpose of uniting the New England colo- 
nies into one Province or confederacy, but the design falls 
through. It is revived in 1643. 

The Antinomian controversy culminates in Massachusetts. 
Anne Hutchinson, John Wheelwright (her brother), and 
Vane oppose the doctrine that the so-called law of God 
should be the law of the commonwealth. The legislature 
enacts that none shall come within the jurisdiction without 
permission of the authorities ; Vane protests and returns to 
England. Wheelwright, Anne Hutchinson, and Aspinwall 
are exiled as "unfit for the society" of its citizens. Wheel- 
wright goes to the Piscataqua and founds Exeter ; John 
Clarke, William Coddington, and Anne Hutchinson arc wel- 
comed at Providence by Roger Williams. Negro slaves are 
imported for the first time into New England. 

Owing to the machinations of George Cleeve, William Gorges 
is recalled from the governorship of Maine by Sir F. Gorges 
(June), and the province is left without a government. 

William Kieft is made governor of New Netherlands in place 
of Van T wilier. 

A company of Swedes and Finns, under the Dutchman Peter 
Minuit, leave Sweden for Delaware. 

They found (Ap.) Fort Christiana (named after the Swedish 
Queen), on the west bank of the Delaware (near the site of 
Wilmington) ; purchase the Indian title of the land from 
Trenton Falls to Paradise Point (Cape Henlopen) ; settle at 
Wicaco, on the site of Philadelphia ; and claim the country as 
"New Sweden." Kieft, governor of New Netherlands, pro- 
tests, claiming the country for the Dutch. 

Roger Williams obtains from the Indians (Mar.) a deed of the 



History of the United States. 

land round Providence which in time he grants away gratis ; 

also a deed (Mar.) ot Rhode Island for Anne Hutchinson and 

her fellow-exiles, whoio'md a prosperous colon}" at Newport. 
1638. Puritans from London, vui der Theophilus Eaton and Rev. John 

Davenport, found Quiu^iipjack (now New Haven), Conn. 

They hold their first meeting (18 Ap.) ; elect Eaton governor ; 

and buy the Indian title to their land. New Haven remains 

a separate colony till 1665 
1638. An earthquake is felt throughout New England (1 June) ; 

shocks continue 15 days. 

1638. John Harvard founds Harvi r<~ College. 

1639. Connecticut (i.e., Hartford, 1 Vjindsor, and Wethersfield) adopts 

a liberal constitution (Jan. » the first organization of a gov- 
ernment with a written constitution in history. 

1639. The New Haven colonists frame a constitution in a barn (4 
June) ; the Scriptures to be the rule of the commonwealth ; 
only church members to be free burgesses ; "seven pillars" 
chosen to org-anize the government. Their colonies spread 
along the coast and Long Island. 

1639. Roger Williams organizes at Providence the first Baptist 
church in America. 

1639. The Massachusetts legislature provides that the life-magis- 
trates are to act only in those years in which they are chosen 
at the annual elections. A law is passed to prohibit the cus- 
tom of drinking - healths. 

1639. Kieft renews the Dutch fort at Nassau (Gloucester Co., N. J.). 

1639. Sir F. Wyatt supersedes Harvey as governor of Virginia ; he 
governs well. 

1639. Plantations in Carolina are probably attempted by the as- 
signee of Heath's patent. 

1639. Sir F. Gorges is made proprietary of Maine by royal charter, 

with ample powers of government (2 Sep.) ; he is also ap- 
pointed governor-general of New England. 

1640. He sends out his son, Thomas, as governor of Maine. 

1640. English colonists, under Sir Edmund Ployden, settle at Elsing- 
burgh, on the east bank of the Delaware, and call the country 
New Albion, but are driven out by the Swedes and Dutch. 

1640. The people of Connecticut claim Long Island under a giant 
from Lord Stirling, and the Dutch emblems of possession at 
the east end are thrown down by the colonists, and a fool's 
head is set up instead. 

1640. A fugitive from Virginia settles on Albemarle Sound (N. C). 

1640. Montreal founded. Their continual warfare with the Mohawks 
excludes tHe French from the south shores of Lake Ontario. 

1640. The emigrants to New England up to this date numbered 

21,200; in ten or fifteen years 50 villages had been planted, 
and 30 or 40 churches built. For the next 20 years, during 
the civil strife in England, the colonies enjoy almost virtual 
independence. 

1641. The English parliament places the colonies under the control 

of the Earl of Warwick, as governor-in-chief, and a council 
of 5 peers and 12 commoners. 
164 Tew Hampshire annexes itself to Massachusetts (Ap.); the 
union continues till 1679. 



History «>/ the United isfates. 

1641. The governing power of Plymouth colony is transferred to the 
entire body of freemen, and the interest of the English part- 
ners is extinguished. 
1641. Rhode Island establishes a constitution, a " Democracie." 
1641. Charles Raymbault and Isaac Jogues reach Sault Ste. Marie 
from the Geoxgian Bay (4 Oct.) ; the first time that the U. S. 
were entered from Canada. 

1641. War between the Dutch of New Netherlands and the Algo, 

quins ; it lasts till 1645. 
1643. Anne Hutchinson's son and son-in-law censure the Boston au- 
thorities for their treatment of her, and are imprisoned. She 
removes from Rhode Islaud to East Chester, Conn., among 
the Dutch. Kieft treacherously massacres nearly 100 Algon- 
quins ; they make savage reprisals from Connecticut to New 
Jersey, and the Dutch colonies are nearly ruined. A popular 
assembly of delegates from the Dutch villages mitigates 
Kieft's arbitrary rule. The war leads the Indians to attack 
the English colonies in Maryland and Virginia, and war 
goes on there for four years. 

1642. Sir William Berkeley arrives in Virginia as governor, successor 

to Wyatt (Feb.). Charles I. restricts the commerce of the 
colony ; the assembly establishes the Church of England, 
suppresses nonconformity, and banishes nonconformists ; a 
company of Puritans take refuge in Maryland, settling at 
Providence (now Annapolis). 

1643. Anne Hutchinson is killed by the Indians. Roger Williams 

arranges a truce between them and the Dutch (Mar.), and 
peace is made with the Indians on the Hudson (Ap.). War 
is renewed by the Dutch under John Underbill, a refugee 
from New England, and continues till 1645. 

1643. The New England colonies send Hugh Peters and two others 
to England to obtain commercial advantages ; the House of 
Commons votes that colonial trade shall be free of taxation 
(Mai\). The colonists decline an invitation to send deputies 
to the Westminster Assembly. Cotton manufactures are 
begun, cotton being imported from Barbadoes. War in 
Massachusetts between the Narragansetts and Mohegans. 

1643. Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven form 
a federation, " The United Colonies of New England;" fed- 
eral matters are entrusted to eight commissioners, two from 
each colony. It lasts till 1684. A provision for the admission 
of new members to the federation is without result. 

1643. John Printz, governor of New Sweden, forms a colony and 
erects a fort on Tinicum Island (Penn.), in the Delaware, just 
below the Schuylkill, and resides there. 

1643. The Virginia assembly enacts that no peace shall be made 
with the Indians. 

1643. Roger Williams goes to England to obtain its protection over 
Rhode Island. He obtains the help of Sir Henry Vane. 

1643. The proprietaries of Connecticut assign their rights to the 

colonists. 

1644. A design is formed to unite all the English colonies in one 

confederacy, but it never reaches a practical stage. 
1644. Parliament grants to Roger Williams and others a charter for 



28 History of the Viiited States. 

Rhode Island (Mar.), with full power "to rule themselves." 
Providence greets Williams on his return with a magnificent 
demonstration. A Baptist church is formed at Newport. 
1644. The Indians massacre 300 colonists in Virginia (18 Ap.) ; 
war goes on and Opechancanough is captured. Berkeley 
goes to England, leaving Richard Kemp as governor (June). 
Maryland makes peace with the Indians. 

1644. Massachusetts gives her county courts authority to have the 

Indians instructed in religion. Thomas Mayhew labors as a 
missionary among the Indians on Martha's Vineyard. 

1645. The French and Five Nations make peace at Three Rivers. 
1645. The Dutch and Indians make peace at New Amsterdam; 

Kieft's barbarous policy is repudiated. 
1645. A ship leaves Salem, Mads., for Guinea, Africa, to bring a 
cargo of slaves ; the first direct slave-trade between New 
England and Africa. 

1645. Clayborne and Ingle, with the Puritan refugees from Virginia, 

excite a successful revolt in Maryland •; Leonard Calvert, the 
deputy-governor, flees to Virginia, and disorder and misrule 
follow. 

1646. Order is restored in Maryland ; Lord Baltimore is reinstated ; 

and an amnesty is granted. 

1646. Father Jogues, from Canada, is hospitably received by the 
Mohawks (May), but is murdered (Oct.), and war is renewed 
between the French and the Five Nations. 

1646. Father Gabriel Dreuillettes, first of Europeans, journeys over- 
land from the St. Lawrence to the Kennebec, Maine (Aug.), 
and builds a chapel near its mouth, where many Abenakis 
gather. Franciscans had already planted a lodge at the 
mouth of the Penobscot. 

1646. Peace is made between Virginia and the Indians (Oct.). 

1646. The General Court of Massachusetts repudiates the paramount 
authority of the English Parliament (Nov.). It passes an Act 
for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, and 
John Eliot, of Roxbury, Mass., "the apostle of the Indians," 
" the morning-star of missionary enterprise," begins his 
labors among the Indians at Nonantum (now Newton), Mass. 

1646. The Quakers founded in England by George Fox, aged 22. 

1647. Peter Stuyvesant arrives in New Netherlands (May) as gov- 

ernor in place of Kieft, who, on his return to Holland, is 
wrecked on 1he coast of Wales and perishes. The population 
of New Amsterdam is about 1000. 

1647. Dreuillettes returns from Maine to Quebec (June). 

1647. A person is executed at Windsor, Conn., for witchcraft. 

1647. Sir F. Gorges, proprietary of Maine, dies. 

1648. Margaret Jones is executed (15 June) at Boston, and Mary 

Johnson in Connecticut, for witchcraft. 
1648. Uplandt (now Chester, Penn.) is settled by Swedes. 

1648. The Virginia colonists number 20,000, about 400 being negroes, 

and have 31 vessels engaged in commerce. 

1649. Charles I. is beheaded (30 Jan.) ; the monarchy is abolished (17 

Mar.) ; and England is declared a " Commonwealth and 
Free State" (19 May). 
1649 The people of Maine, being left without a government by the 



History of the United States. 29 

death of Gorges, form themselves into a body politic for the 
purposes of self-government (July). 

1649. Massachusetts declines the offer of a new charter by the 
Long Parliament. Bigotry and persecution reign in the 
colony ; the Anabaptists are fined and scourged ; irreligion 
is made a civil offence ; absence from church is punished by 
fine ; and the denial of any book of the Bible is punished by 
fine, stripes, exile, and death. 

1649. The Maryland assembly passes an Act giving complete tolera- 
tion to all Christians. 

1649. Virginia proclaims Charles JJ. king ; royalists take refuge 

there; a grant of "Northern Neck," between the Rappa- 
hannock and the Potomac, is made to them ; Puritans are 
banished. 

1650. The Connecticut assembly prohibits the use of tobacco to per- 

sons under 20, and to others not used to it, without a physi- 
sician's certificate and a license. Stuyvesant goes to Hai't- 
ford (Sep.), and makes a treaty fixing the boundary between 
New England and New Netherlands at Greenwich on the 
mainland, and Oyster Bay on Long Island. The treaty is 
not recognized in England. 

1650. Scotch prisoners taken at the battle of Dunbar (3 Sep.) are sent 

to Virginia to be sold as indentured servants. An ordinance 
of the Long Parliament empowers the Council of State to 
reduce "the rebellious colonies" to obedience (Oct.). 

1651. Mr. and Mrs. Carrington and Goody Bassett are executed at 

Stratford, Conn., for witchcraft. 

1651. The settlement of "praying Indians " at Nonantum removes 
to Natick, Mass. The Massachusetts legislature prohibits 
persons, whose estate does not exceed £200, from wearing 
lace costing over 2s. a yard. 

1651. The Dutch build Fort Casimir (now Newcastle, Del.), 5 miles 
below the Swedish fort at Christiana, and thus create jeal- 
ousy among the Swedish colonists. 

1651. War between England and Holland ; it lasts till 1654. Crom- 

well plans the conquest of New Netherlands. As a war 
measure, the Long Parliament passes the Navigation Act; 
colonial commerce with England to be carried on solely in 
English ships ; it is not enforced. Many hundreds of Scotch 
prisoners taken at the battle of Worcester (3 Sep.) are sent 
to Virginia to be indentured as white servants. 

1652. Roger Williams and John Clarke get the charter of Rhode 

Island confirmed by the Long Parliament. Williams returns 
to Rhode Island, leaving Clarke in England as agent of the 
colony. 

1652. The frigate Guinea anchors in the Chesapeake to compel Vir- 
ginia to submit to the Commonwealth ; the colonists make 
terms, and elect Richard Bennett, a commissioner of the 
Long Parliament, governor (Ap.). 

1652. Massachusetts, claiming under its charter, annexes Maine as 
far as Casco Bay, in spite of the remonstrances of Edward 
Godfrey, the governor ; the province reluctantly submits. 

1652. New Amsterdam is incorporated, but its citizens gain no privi 
lages. 



30 History of the United States, 

1653. A general assembly of deputies from the villages of New 

Netherlands meets and claims popular rights (Nov.), 
1653 Cromwell forcibly dissolves the Long Parliament (20 Ap.) ; he 

is made Protector (16 Dec). 
1653. The General Court of Massachusetts prohibits preaching except 

by leave of the authorities. 
1653. The Baptist Church in Providence, R. I., splits into two 

Churches. 
1653. Goody Knapp is executed at Fairfield, Conn., for witchcraft. 

1653. Clayborne and Bennett (governor of Virginia), professing to 

act under the ordinance of the Long Parliament to reduce 
" all plantations within the Bay of the Chesapeake," set aside 
Lord Baltimore's authority in Maryland ; conflicts ensue be- 
tween the Puritans under Bennett and Clayborne, and Stone 
(Baltimore's deputy) and his friends, the latter being defeated. 

1654. Imprisonment for debt is instituted in Massachusetts. 

1654. Peace is made between the French in Canada and the Five 
Nations. Father Le Moyne goes among them as envoy and 
missionary. Two young Canadian fur-traders make a canoe 

1'ourney west from Quebec (Aug.), via the Ottawa, and reach 
jakes Michigan and Superior ; they return in two years, 
escorted by a fleet of 50 canoes. 
1654. An anned force sent by Cromwell takes possession of Nova 
Scotia. 

1654. Rising, governor of New Sweden, overpowers the Dutch gar- 

rison at Fort Casimir ; the act is fatal to the Swedish colon}'. 

1655. A Dutch force from New Amsterdam sails into the Delaware 

(Sep.), and the Swedish settlements (numbering 700 souls) 
submit ; the country north of Christiana and the Brandy- 
wine is governed by a deputy of Stuyvesant ; the counl iy 
from the Brandywine to Bombay Hook (part of Delaware) is 

Surchased by the city of Amsterdam in Holland, the name 
Tew Sweden being changed to New Amstel. 
1655. Baltimore's friends in Maryland are again defeated by the 

Puritans (Jan.). 
1655. Admiral Penn (father of William Penn) captures Jamaica from 
the Spaniards (3 May). Cromwell founds the English Board 
of Trade. 
1655. Bennett retires from the governorship of Virginia ; Edward 
Diggs is elected his successor. 

1655. Chaumonot and Claude Dablon, missionaries from Canada, 

are welcomed among the Five Nations (Nov.). 

1656. A colonv of 50 French Canadians settle among the Onondagas 

(May). 
1656. From this date till the accession of James II. (1685) the Quakers 
are severely persecuted in England, and many of them take 
refuge in America. 

1656. Quakers are persecuted in Massachusetts and expelled from 

the colony. 

1657. The persecution of Quakers in Massachusetts continues ; they 

are fined, whipped, and banished ; a law enacts that on a 

first conviction one ear shall be cut off, on a second the other 

* • ear, on a third the tongue shall be bored with a red-hot iron ; 

and that any one who entertains one of " the accursed sect" 




Wm. Bainbridge. 




Stephen Decatur. 




John Paul Jones. 





James Lawrence. Oliver H. Perry. 

Naval Heroes of the Past. 



~* History of the United States. 31 

shall be fined. A woman from London, who rebukes the 
magistrates for persecution, is whipped with 20 stripes. 
1657. Divided rule exists in Maryland : Fendall (Baltimore's repre- 
sentative) is acknowledged by the Catholics at St. Mai*ys ; 
Cromwell's commissioners are sustained by the Puritans at 
St. Leonards. 

1657. The Oneidas murder three Frenchmen ; the French retaliate 

by seizing Indians. 

1658. The French abandon their settlements among the Five Nations 

(Mar.), and war once more breaks out between them. 

1658. A compromise is effected between the conflicting parties in 
Maryland (Mar.), and the province is surrendered to Fendall, 
Baltimore's agent. 

1658. Samuel Matthews is elected governor of Virginia in place of 
Diggs. The assembly excludes the governor and council 
from its sessions ; the governor dissolves it ; the assembly 
declares the dissolution illegal, proclaims popular sovereignty, 
and removes and re-elects the governor, who submits, and 
the revolution is completed. 

1658. The General Court of Massachusetts claims the right to silence 
any person not ordained ; a fine of 10s. is imposed on every 
person present at a Quaker meeting, and £5 for speaking at 
one ; Quakers are banished on pain of death. 

1658. Cromwell dies (3 Sep.) ; his son Richard is proclaimed Pro- 

tector (4 Sep.). Virginia recognizes Mm ; Massachusetts does 
not. 
1658-59. The corporation of Amsterdam by purchases from the In- 
dians extends its jurisdiction to Cape Henlopen, Del.; it 
governs despotically, and the colonists flee in troops to the 
English colonies ; scarce 30 families remain. 

1659. Richard Cromwell resigns the Protectorate (22 Ap.). 

1659. Two Quakers are hanged in Massachusetts for returning to the 
colony after being banished ; Mary Dyar is also sentenced, 
but reprieved when the rope is round her neck. 

1659. Two fur- traders from Canada winter on the shore of Lake 

Superior. 

1660. A party of Puritans from Massachusetts attempt a settlement 

on Oldtown Creek, near the mouth of Cape Fear River (N. C). 
It is soon abandoned. Perhaps a few scattei'ed families may 
have settled in what is now North Carolina before this date. 

1660. Matthews, governor of Virginia, dies (Mar.) ; the assembly de- 
clares that the supreme power resides in itself (13 Mar.), and 
elects Sir W. Berkeley governor ; he accepts office, renouncing 
all power to dissolve the assembly. 

1660. A popular convention meets in Maryland (12 Mar.), votes itself 
a lawful assembly, abolishes the Upper House, and settles 
the government; Fendall, Baltimore's deputy, allows the 
revolution. 

1660. An Indian church is organized at Natick, Mass. Mary Dyar is 
hanged at Boston as a Quaker (1 June) ; also William Leddra. 
Massasoit, sachem of the Pokanokets, dies ; his son "King 
Philip" succeeds. 

1660. Charles n. is proclaimed king in England (8 May) ; he lands at 
Dover (25 May). Three of Oharlesl.'s judges,Edward Whalley, 



32 History of the United States. ^ 

William Goffe, and John Dixwell, escape to America. Hugh 
Peters, father-in-law of the younger Winthrop, is hanged as 
a regicide (14 Oct.). The Navigation Act (12 Car. II., c. 18) is 
passed ; mei-chandise is to be imported into the colonies only 
in English vessels ; only natives or naturalized subjects are 
to become merchants or factors in any English settlement. 
Other laws are passed in restraint of colonial trade ano 
manufactures, and corn-laws are re-enacted. Charles II 
erects the Council of Trade and the Council of Plantations 
they are soon combined. 
1660. Charles II. is proclaimed in Plymouth, Rhode Island, New! 
Haven, Hartford, Maryland, and Virginia. The General 
Court of Massachusetts negatives an address to him (Oct.) ; 
but afterwards agrees to one (Dec.) ; Leverett, its agent in 
England, is instructed to intercede for its chartered liberties, 
and to resist appeals to England in law matters. In Mary- 
land, Philip Calvert, Baltimore's deputy, is recognized. l n 
Virginia Berkeley issues writs for an assembly in the name 
of the king - ; the royalist party becomes ascendant and modi- 
fies the democratic features of the constitution. Virginia 
had acquired perfect liberty of commerce, but the English 
government, under the new Navigation Act, begins to pre- 
vent commerce with New Netherlands. Virginia's popula- 
tion is about 30,000 ; Maryland's from 8000 to 12,000. 

1660. Rene Mesnard, Jesuit missionary, goes from Canada to Lake 

Superior to found a mission (Aug.). 

1661. He is lost in the woods on Keewena Peninsula, Lake Superior, 

and never seen again (June). 

1661. Berkeley goes to England as agent of Virginia, to seek relief 
from the Navigation Act(Ap.) ; he, Clarendon, and six others 
combine to obtain a grant to themselves of American terri- 
tory. 

1661. The General Court of Massachusetts publishes a declaration of 
rights (June), claiming self-government, denying the right of 
appeals to England, and declaring - the Navigation Act an 
infringement of their charter ; it then proclaims Charles H. 
king. A royal order from England to Governor Endicott 
directs him to proceed no further against the Quaker prison- 
ers, but to send them to England for trial ; in response he 
releases Wenlock Christison and 27 others from prison. Up 
to this date 30 Quakers had been scourged, fined, or impris- 
oned ; some had been branded in the hand with the letter H 
for heretic ; and several had been hung. The persecution 
soon recommences ; men and women are whipped at the 
cart's tail from town to town and banished. The persecution 
did not cease for some years, till Charles H. demanded that 
no one should be hindered from exercising his religion in the 
New World more than in the Old, and that all persons ought 
to be permitted to "worship God in the way they think 
best." John Eliot publishes his translation of the New Tes- 
tament into the Massachusetts Indian dialect. Whalley and 
Goffe flee from Boston to Newhaven, Conn., to escape arrest. 

1881. Charles Calvert, a son of Lord Baltimore, is made dep. -gover- 
nor of Maryland, and a general amnesty is proclaimed. 



History of the United States. 33 

1661. The younger Winthrop goes to England as agent of Connecti- 

cut to obtain a charter. 

1662. Charles II. grants a charter for Connecticut (20 Ap.), covering 

both Hartford and New Haven, from the Nai*ragansett to the 
Pacific, disregai'ding the hesitancy of New Haven, the rights 
of New Netherlands, and the claims of Spain on the Pacific ; 
it gives complete independence and self-government. Win- 
throp is elected governor in 14 successive years. New Haven 
is unwilling to merge itself in the larger colony of Hartford. 
Mr. and Mrs. Greensmith are executed at Hartford, for 
witchcraft. 

1662. John Norton and Simon Bradstreet go to England as commis- 
sioners from Massachusetts (Feb.) ; Charles H. confirms the 
charter, declaring that its foundation is liberty of conscience, 
but claims certain prerogatives ; the people resolve not to 
allow these. 

1662. Charles H. grants a charter to the African Co. Sir Henry 
Vane is executed in England as a regicide (June). The Act 
of Uniformity is renewed (May) ; nearly 2000 ministers are 
driven from their parishes as nonconformists (24 Aug.). 
Charles II. issues a Declaration of Indulgence (Dec), exempt- 
ing from the penalties of the Act of Uniformity all noncon- 
formists who, " living peaceably," do not conform through 
"scruple and tenderness of misguided conscience, but mod- 
estly and without scandal perform their devotions in their 
own way." 

1662. The Virginia assembly grants a permanent revenue to the 
Government, and votes its members a salary of 250 lbs. of 
tobacco a day each ; establishes the Church of England ; and 
passes persecuting laws against Quakers, Baptists, and other 
dissenters ; to entertain a Quaker is punished by imprison- 
ment. 

1662. The Yeopim Indians grant "Durant's Neck," on Albemarle 

Sound (N. C), to George Durant. 

1663. The Company of 100 Associates having surrendered New 

France to Louis XIV., he grants the territory to the new 
French West Indies Co. (Feb.). 

1663 Heath's patent for Carolina is declared void for non-user; 
Charles II. grants to eight proprietaries a patent for Caro- 
lina (Mar.) from 36° N. to the river St. Johns, Fla. Spain 
claims that the territory is a part of Florida. George Cath- 
maid settles 67 persons on the Chowan River, Albemarle 
Sound ; the plantation, being north of 36°, is not included in 
the patent for Carolina, but the proprietaries commission one 
of their number, Berkeley, governor of Virginia, to institute 
a government over it, and he severs it from Virginia, and, 
under the name of Albemarle colony, gives it a separate gov- 
ernment under William Drummond. It remains unnoticed 
till the quit-rents become due in 1666. Planters in Barba- 
does buy a tract of land on Cape Fear River. 

1663. John Eliot publishes at Cambridge, Mass., his translation of 
the Old Testament into the Massachusetts Indian dialect. 

1663. Mary Barnes is executed at Farmington, Conn., for witchcraft. 

1663. Six months' war goes on between the Dutch of New Nether- 



34 History of the United States, 

lands and the Indians, who destroy (June) a village on the 
Esopus (in Ulster Co., N. Y.). Disputes as to territory arise 
between Connecticut and New Netherlands, Connecticut 
claiming to the Pacific under its charter. The necessities of 
the time compel Stuy vesant to concede a popular assembly. 
The Dutch West India Co., desiring a barrier against the 
English colonies to the south, transfers the whole country 
on the Delaware to the city of Amsterdam, Holland, which 
becomes proprietary of all the settlements in what are now 
Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. 

1663. The Parliament in England sets aside Charles H.'s Declaration 
of Indulgence, and passes the Conventicle Act to prevent 
religious meetings of nonconformists. 

1663. Charles II. grants a charter to Rhode Island (July), giving 
self-government and religious freedom, and vesting the 
supreme power in a governor, deputy-governor, 10 assistants 
(now the Senate), and deputies from the towns. George 
Baxter arrives at Newport with the charter (24 Nov.), which 
is read publicly. 

1663. In Virginia an insurrection of white " servants " is easily sup- 

{)i*essed ; barbarous laws are enacted against slaves ; and the 
aws against nonconformists are made more sevei'e. John 
Burgess is expelled from the Assembly for being "well- 
affected to the Quakers," 

1664. By this date many English from Connecticut had settled in 

New Netherlands, and as many negroes had been imported, 
in proportion to population, as in Virginia. The new Dutch 
diet demands from the governor, Stuyvesant, protection 
against the Indians, and the colony partially revolts against 
the rule of the Dutch West India Co. ; Berkeley, governor of 
Virginia, threatens hostilities. 

1664. Charles H. grants (Mar.) to his brother, the Duke of York, 
afterwards James II. , the country from the St. Croix to the 
Pemaquid (Sagadahoc or Eastern Maine), and from the Con- 
necticut to the Delaware. The Duke assigns Ins claim to 
New Jersey to Lord Berkeley and Sir George Carteret (June). 
Before this date 3 Dutch families had settled about Burling- 
ton, N. J., and a few Quaker families on the south of Rari- 
tan Bay, N. J. ; but there was no hamlet in south-west New 
Jersey. 

1664. The Rhode Island assembly affirms the principle of intellectual 
liberty to men of every creed (May). 

1664. The English fleet for the conquest of New Netherlands, under 
Col. Richard Nicolls, and having on board royal commis- 
sioners charged to investigate the manner in which the New 
England charters had been exercised and to provide for the 
peace of the country, arrives at Boston (23 July) ; takes re- 
cruits on board ; anchors in Gravesend Bay, and acquires 
Long Island (Aug.) ; Stuyvesant surrenders New Amster- 
dam (5 Sep.), winch is called New York ; Fort Orange (or Will- 
iamstadt) surrenders (24 Sep.) and is called Albany ; the 
Dutch and Swedes on the Delaware capitulate (Oct.), the 
whole coast, from Maine to Carolina, passing into tb*> pos- 
session of England. Nsw Netherlands is divided into N«w 



History of the United States. 35 

York and New Jersey, the settlements on the west bank of 
the Delaware being- made a dependency of New York, Lord 
Baltimore's claim to them being denied. Nicolls is made 
governor, and New York is governed- despotically as in 
Dutch times, popular rights not being conceded. 
1664. New England Puritans from Long Island obtain an Indian 
deed to a large tract on Newark Bay (" the Elizabethtown 
Purchase "), which Governor Nicolls, unaware of the grant 
to the Duke of York, ratifies. 

1664. The General Court of Massachusetts resolve to resist the 

king's orders and to nullify the royal commission ; and while 
the fleet is reducing New Netherlands, protest against " the 
menace of tyranny " (Oct.), address Charles, claiming the right 
of ''government within themselves," and threaten "to seek 
new dwellings " rather than submit. The contest facilitates 
the union of the two colonies of Hartford and New Haven. 
The Commissioners establish the boundary of Connecticut 
• in conformity with the claims of the colony, but award Long 
Island to the Duke of York ; they are favorably received in 
Rhode Island ; but Plymouth stands firm for its independence 
and declines their otter of a charter. 

1665. New Haven accedes to the union with Connecticut under the 

Charter of 1662 (Jan.) ; the seat of government to be at Hart- 
ford. 

1665. The royal commissioners hold a court in Boston to try the 
claims of Massachusetts, but the General Court forbids the 
proceedings, and the baffled commissioners go north to settle 
the boundaries of New Hampshire and Maine, and to prepare 
for the restoration of proprietary claims. The governor and 
council of Massachusetts forbid the towns on the Piscataqua 
to meet or obey the commissioners. Maine prefers the pro- 
tection of the king to incorporation with Massachusetts or 
subjection to the heir of Gorges, and the commissioners 
remove the officers appointed by Massachusetts, ignore the 
claims of Gorges, and issue commissions to persons to govern 
the district. After the departure of the commissioners, 
Massachusetts re-establishes its authority over Western 
Maine, maintaining its jurisdiction from the southern limit 
of Massachusetts to the Kennebec. 

1665. The French found Castine on Penobscot Bay, Maine ; they also 
have a fort on the site of Bangor. A party of French from 
Canada, under Gov. Courcelle, reach Schenectady (N. Y.). 

1665. William Goulding and others, with the sanction of Governor 
Nicolls, obtain from the Indians a deed of the land from 
Sandy Hook to Raritan River, N. J. (Ap.), called for a few 
months East Albania ; three towns are soon begun. The 
two proprietaries of New Jersey create a popular assembly ; 
grant lands at a quit-rent of %&. an acre, not to be collected 
till 1670 ; and offer a bounty of 75 acres on the importation 
of each able slave. Philip Carteret is received as governor 
(Aug.), and Elizabethtown (named after Lady Carteret), 
then a place of four houses, is made the capital. Nicolls 
protests in vain against the division of his province, by the 
separation of New Jersey from New York. Colonists from 



86 History of the United States. 

New Haven, Conn., settle on the Passaic, and obtain the 
Indian title to the site of Newark, N. J. 

1665. Charles II. declares Avar against the Dutch ; it lasts till 1667. 
The Five Mile Act is passed, increasing the severity of the 
persecution of Quakers and other nonconformists in Eng- 
land ; over 4000 Quakers are in English prisons, 500 in Lon- 
don alone ; they look beyond the Atlantic for a refuge. 

1665. The Rhode Island assembly again affirms the principle of 
intellectual liberty. 

1665. The proprietaries of Carolina obtain a new charter (June) of 
the territory between 29° and 36° 30' N., from the Atlantic 
to the Pacific ; it included nearly all Florida and fixed the 
northern boundary of North Carolina. Sir John Yeamans, 
under a grant from the proprietaries, settles a colony of emi- 
grants from Barbadoes on the south of Cape Fear River ; 
the settlement is called Clarendon colony ; it fails. 

1665. Father Claude Allouez goes from Canada (Aug.) to Chegoi- 

niegon, Lake Superior (1 Oct.), as a missionary among the 
Indians between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi. 

1666. Louis XIV. declares war against England. Charles II. re- 

bukes the " frowardness" of Massachusetts in the matter of 
the royal commissioners, and commands Governor Belling- 
ham and Hawthorne to attend in England ; the General 
Court refuses compliance (Sep.). The idea of conquering 
Canada is now liisl proposed to New England, but rejected 
as impracticable ; Boston equips some privateers. 

1666. William Penn is imprisoned in Ireland as a Quaker. 

1667. Treaty of Madrid, peace with Spain (May) ; Treaty of Breda, 

peace between England, France, Holland, and Denmark (31 
July) ; New York, New Jersey, and the colonies west of the 
Delaware are ceded to England ; Acadia is restored to France, 
but the royal grant of Nova Scotia to Sir Thomas Temple is 
not revoked. The French and the Five Nations make peace. 

1667. Francis Lovelace is made governor of New York, in place of 
Nicolls. 

1667. Virginia enacts that baptism is consistent with a state of 
slavery, so removing - an obstacle to the conversion of ne- 
groes ; the enactment is made repeatedly between 1667 and 
1748 ; the opposite notion prevailed widely. 

1667. A colony of snip-builders from the Bermudas, and emigrants 

from New England, join the colony on Albemarle Sound 
(N. C), under Samuel Stevens as chief magistrate. 

1668. The first New Jersey assembly meets at Elizabethtown (May), 

and enacts severe laws. 
1668. The Earl of Shaftesbury and Locke frame "the Grand Model " 
constitution for Carolina, creating a nobility, and establish- 
ing the Church of England, but tolerating every other re- 
ligion. 

1668. Claude Dablon and Jacques Marquette establish among the 

Chippewas the mission of Sault de Ste. Marie, the oldest 
European settlement in Michigan. 

1669. The patent of "Northern Neck," Va. (granted 1649), is surren- 

dered (May) ; a new one is issued to Lord Thomas Culpepper, 
who had acquired all the shares of Ins associates. 



History of the United States. 

1669. La Salle ascends Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, reaches 
Lake Erie, and descends the Ohio as far as the Falls (now 
" Louisville). 

1669. The first assembly in Albemarle colony, Northern Carolina, is 

convoked by Governor Stevens, and begins legislation ; the 
laws are confirmed by the proprietaries, and remain in force 
for over 50 years. 

1670. The proprietaries of Carolina send 3 ships with emigrants 

under William Sayle (governor) and Joseph West (Jan.), 
with jurisdiction from Cape Carteret to as far south as the 
Spaniards would tolerate. The emigrants found on Ashley 
River the first town in Southern Carolina, and establish a 
free government ; not a vestige of the settlement remains, 
except the line of moat. The "Grand Model" is signed 
(Mar.) and sent to the colonists on Albemarle Sound and 
Ashley River ; both reject it. Monk, Duke of Albemarle, is 
made Palatine. Sayle soon dies, and Sir John Yeamans is 
appointed governor. 

1670. In Virginia, the suffrage is restricted to freeholders and house- 
holders. 

1670. The settlers in New Jersey refuse payment of quit-rents, 
claiming the Indian title as paramount; disputes and con- 
fusion follow. 

1670. Charles II. grants to Prince Rupert and others (the Hudson 
Bay Co.) a monopoly of the regions on Hudson Bay. The 
Duke of York is made president of the African Co., and 
becomes patron of the slave-trade. 

1670. The votes passed by the Long Islanders at their town meet- 

ings are burnt in New York, by order of Governor Lovelace 
and the council. 

1671. At the instance of Talon, intendant of Canada, an Indian con- 

gress is held at Sault Ste. Marie (May) ; the tribes are placed 
under the protection of Louis XIV. Marquette gathers the 
remnant of the Hurons at Point St. Ignace, north of Macki- 
naw Strait, a post which is long maintained as the key of the 
West. 

1671. Massachusetts, which still extends to the Kennebec, is virtu- 
ally independent ; no custom-houses are erected, the Naviga- 
tion Acts are disregarded, and a large carrying-trade is done ; 
Charles H. fears it will break away from all dependence on 
England. 

1671. Yeamans arrives at the Ashley River colony (S. C.) with slaves 
from Barbadoes ; Dutch emigrants from New York, discon- 
tented with the change of ride, settle there, and are followed 
by others from Holland. 

1671. Virginia has no common schools yet ; children are instructed 
by their parents. 

1671. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, visits the American 

colonies. 

1672. War breaks out between England and Holland (Mar.) ; it lasts 

till 1674 ; Navigation Acts are passed in England. 
1672. Baptists are for the first time allowed to hold their meetings 

unmolested in Boston, Mass. 
1672. The New York colonists clamor against the arbitrary ride of 



88 

Governor ^ove^ace , Connecticut surrenders Long Island to 
New York 

1672. The New Jersey assembly displaces Philip Carteret, and ap- 
points James Carteret governor ; Philip appoints John Berry 
his deputy, and goes to England for fresh authority. 

1672. An armed force of Marylanders invade Lewistown on the 
Delaware, but the Duke of York claims the country by right 
of conquest from the Dutch. 

1672. William Edmundson from England visits his Quaker brethren 
on Albemarle Sound (N. C), who then organize the fust 
religious government in Carolina. George Fox preaches to 
them. 

1672. Frontenac is made governor of Canada; he begins Fort Fron- 

tenac (now Kingston) at the mouth of Lake Ontario. Allouez 
and Dablon explore the country west of Lake Michigan (Wis- 
consin and Illinois). 

1673. George Fox returns to England. 

1673. Marquette and Louis Joliet descend the Wisconsin and dis- 
cover the northern Mississippi (17 June) and the Des Moines ; 
set foot in Iowa; descend the Mississippi as far as 33° N., 
below the Arkansas ; turn back (17 July), ascend the Illinois, 
and reach Green Bay, Lake Michigan (Sep.) ; Joliet goes to 
Quebec to announce the discovery. 

1673. New York surrenders to a Dutch squadron (July) ; also New 
Jersey and Delaware. 

1673. Charles II. grants Virginia to Lord Thomas Culpepper and 

Lord Arlington for 31 years ; Virginia is distracted with do- 
mestic contests and stung to rebellion. 

1674. Virginia sends agents to England to get the grant to Culpepper 

and Arlington cancelled, and the Crown to resume its lights. 

1674. Peace between England and Holland (Feb.) ; the American 
colonies are ceded back to England. The Duke of York re- 
sumes the proprietorship of New York and Delaware ; and 
Carteret and Berkeley of New Jersey. Berkeley, for £1000, 
sells his undivided half to Quakers (Mar.). Charles II. grants 
Sagadahoc (East Maine, between the St. Croix and Kennebec) 
and the country from the Connecticut River to Maryland to 
the Duke of York (June), who makes Edmund Andros gover- 
nor, with absolute power. Andros receives the surrender of 
New Netherlands, New Jersey, and Delaware from the Dutch 
(31 Oct.) 

1674. Stevens, governor of Northern Carolina, dies ; the assembly 
elects successors till 1677. 

1674. Joseph West is appointed governor in Southern Carolina in 
place of Yeamans ; he governs well till 1683. (West was one 
of the leaders of the first colony in 1670.) 

1674. The Senecas drive the Susquehannahs from the head of the 
Chesapeake to the Potomac, and Maryland becomes involved 
in war with the Susquehannahs and Piscataways. 

1674. By this date the Pokanokcts in Rhode Island had been crowded 
into the necks of land now called Bristol and Tiverton, and 
they find themselves deprived of their lands and "by their 
own legal contracts driven, as it were, into the sea." King 
Philip, their chief, on the information of Sausaman that he 



History of the United States. 39 

is inciting the Indians to war, is summoned by the colo- 
nists to submit to examination ; he appears at Plymouth and 
protests his innocence ; the wrath of the tribe is aroused, and 
the informer, Sausaman, is murdered. 

1675. The murderers are tried by a jury, half Indian, half white 
(June), convicted, and hanged. The young' men of the tribe 
then kill 8 or 9 colonists at Swansea, R. I., and "King 
Philip's War" breaks out. It spreads to other tribes and 
continues for over a year, all New England being kept in a 
state of excitement and terror. The white population of 
New England is 55,000 ; the Indian, 30,000. Brookfield, Deer- 
field, and Springfield are burnt ; but the Narragansetts are 
nearly exterminated by the colonists under Josiah Winslow, 
governor of Plymouth. The war spreads to Maine (Oct.) in 
consequence of outrages committed by sailors on the Indians, 
and Saco, Scarboro, Wells, Kittery, Oyster River settlement, 
Berwick, Salmon Falls, Dover, and Ijgeter suffer from depre- 
dations or the tomahawk. 

1675. Marquette goes to Kaskaskia (111.) to preach to the Indians. 
On his way back to Mackinaw, he dies (18 May) at the river 
" Marquette," Mich., and is buried in the sand near its mouth. 

1675. Philip Carteret resumes the government of Northern New Jer- 
sey, as deputy of Sir George, postpones the payment of quit- 
rents, and confirms representative government. A colony 
of Quakers from England, under John Fen wick, founds 
Salem, in Southern New Jei'sey. 

1675. The English Council of Trade and Plantations is abolished. 

1675. Andros attempts to enforce his jurisdiction over West Con- 
necticut, and demands the surrender of Fort Say brook (July); 
he is successfully resisted and sails for Long Island. 

1675. The agents of Virginia in England fail to get a charter ; the 
government is changed into a proprietary one ; Lord Cul- 
pepper is made governor for life, and is proclaimed soon after 
Berkeley's departure. Susquehannahs and Piscataways com- 
mit murders, which are avenged by the border militia. 

1675. Cecilius, Lord Baltimore, proprietary of Maryland for 43 years, 

dies (Nov.) ; his heir, Charles, goes to England, having admin- 
istered the colony 14 years ; the province is discontented and 
wishes a popular government ; a rising is checked only by 
the prompt energy of the government. 

1676. King Philip's War in New England is ended by the defeat of 

the Indians. An expedition from Massachusetts, under Ma- 
jor Waldron, treacherously entraps 350 Indians at Cocheco 
(Dovei-), N. H. , and ships them to Boston to be sold into for- 
eign slavery. Canonchet, chief of the Narragansetts, is taken 
prisoner (Ap.) and executed ; the Indians are defeated at 
Turner's Falls (19 May) ; Philip's wife and son are captured 
(3 Aug.); he himself is shot by a faithless Indian (12 Aug.), 
and his son is sold as a slave to Bermuda. John Eliot, the 
missionary, saved some of the tribes from extermination. 
Lancaster, Medfield, Weymouth, Groton, Marlborough, and 
Warwick had been burnt. The total loss to the colonists was : 
12 or 13 towns, with 600 houses, burnt, one family in 20 being 
burnt out ; over 600 men, the flower of the colony, killed, be- 



ing one in 20 of the abie-bodied men ; cost of war, $500,000. 
War goes on in Maine, and nearly half the settlements are 
destroyed ; Anne Brackett, taken at Falmouth (Casco), es- 
capes in an open boat across Casco Bay (Aug.). Edward 
Randolph (agent of Mason and the Privy Council) arrives in 
New England with a royal message requiring submission ; 
Massachusetts reluctantly yields, but sends agents to England 
to protest. 

1676. Cai'teret and the Quakers of Salem partition New Jersey (Aug.), 
the northern part ("East New Jersey") to Carteret, the 
southern ("West New Jersey") to the Quakers. 

1676. New York resists Andros, and he advises Charles II. and the 
Duke of York to grant legislative franchises ; tlie Duke re- 
fuses. Sagadahoc is protected by a fort and garrison. Andros 
goes to England (Nov.), but fails to convince the Duke of the 
need of granting liberty. 

1676. The Indian war<gjp Virginia goes on, and plantations are laid 

waste. A contest between Governor Berkeley and the colo- 
nists under Nathaniel Bacon leads to " the Grand Rebellion." 
The assembly passes ameliorating legislation (4 July, N. S., 
100 years before the Declaration of Independence), Berke- 
ley retreats across the Delaware (Aug.) and is deposed, and 
Sir Henry Chichely is chosen governor ; Berkeley collects a 
strong force in Accomack and returns to Jamestown (8 Sep.), 
but his forces desert, Bacon is again in the ascendant, and as 
a precautionary measure burns Jamestown, then a place of 
18 houses ; Bacon dies (1 Oct.), and the royalist leader, Robert 
Beverley, defeats the insurgents in detail. Thomas Hansford 
is taken and hanged. 

1677. William Drummond and 21 others are hanged ; 3 others die of 

cruelty in prison ; the assembly is convened (Feb.), and votes 
an address " that the governor would spill no more blood." 
English troops had been introduced into the colony for the 
first time, but are disbanded in three years. The legislation 
of Bacon's assembly is repealed, and the colonists' grievances 
are revived. Berkeley returns to England, and is censm*ed 
by public opinion. Lord Culpepper, the governor, is pro- 
claimed, but does not go to Virginia till 1680. 

1677. Tbe English Quaker proprietaries of West New Jersey grant 
to the colonists a charter of " Concessions" (3 Mar.), putting 
"the power in the people." A large emigration follows. 
Andros, governor of New York, claims jurisdiction ; his 
claim is referred to England for decision. The Quakers hold 
religious meetings at Burlington, N. J. 

1677. The Privy Council decides against the claim of Massachusetts 
to Maine and New Hampshire, and revives the proprietary 
rights, but Massachusetts buys Gorges's rights in Maine for 
£1250 (May). France, under the Treaty of Breda, held the 
district between the St. Croix and the Penobscot ; the Duke of 
York held the tract between the Penobscot and the Kennebec ; 
leaving to Massachusetts only the tract between the Kenne- 
bec and the Piscataqua. This had hitherto been represented 
§i the Massachusetts assembly ; it is now governed as a sub- 
ject province according to Gorges's charter. 



History of the CTnited States. 41 

Miller, the new governor of Northern Carolina, arrives in the 
province ; its population is about 4000. The Navigation 
Acts of 1672 are to be enforced. 

The attempt to enforce the Acts leads to an insurrection under 
John Culpepper ; the colonists imprison Miller, set aside the 
proprietary government, and organize one of their own. 

Treaties of amity are ratified between the Quakers of West 
New Jersey and the Indians. 

Andros returns to New York with instructions to continue the 
customs duties and to enforce the Duke of York's claim over 
New Jersey under the charter of 1674. As governor of Saga- 
dahoc, Maine, he makes peace with the Indians, on terms 
which acknowledg-e their superior^ (Ap.). He claims that 
East New Jersey vessels should pay dues at New York ; Car- 
teret refuses, is arrested, but is acquitted by an honest New 
York jury. Andros's agent at Newcastle, Del., exacts cus- 
toms of ships ascending to West New Jersey ; the Quaker 
settlers remonstrate, and the question is referred to arbitra- 
tion, when Sir W. Jones decides against the Duke of York 
and in favor of West New Jersey. The province of New York 
has about 20,000 people, 3000 being on Manhattan Island. 

The Maryland assembly, during the absence of the proprietary, 
makes the suffrage more popular. 

La Salle returns from France to Canada, with Tonti as his 
lieutenant. They leave Fort Frontenac, cross Lake Ontario, 
and ascend the Niagara in a canoe of 10 tons, the first that 
ever sailed into the river. At Tonawanta Creek, on the up- 
per Niagara, La Salle commences the Griffin, a vessel of 60 
tons. 

The colonists of Northern Carolina send John Culpepper and 
Holden to England to effect a compromise ; Miller, the de- 
posed governor, being released from prison, follows, and pro- 
cures Culpepper's arrest on a charge of high treason. Charles 
II., at his own expense, sends a colony of foreign Protestants 
to Southern Carolina (Ap.). An Irish colony, under Ferguson, 
goes there. 

Andros increases the revenue of New York, but it still amounts 
to only 3 per cent, on the imports, and is insufficient for the 
expenses. 

Massachusetts, before the return of its agents in England, de- 
clares the ' ' Acts of Navigation an invasion of the rights of 
the colonists, they not being represented in Parliament," and 
that "the laws of England do not reach America;" the 
General Court then passes an Act of its own giving validity 
to the Navigation Acts. 

Mason's patent of New Hampshire being found to give no 
right to jurisdiction, but only to the soil, the colony is sepa- 
rated from Massachusetts, and organized into a royal prov- 
ince (July), Mason's proprietai-y rights being allowed him. 

The European population of New France is 8515. 

La Salle launches the Griffin, and, with Tonti and a colony of 
fur-traders, sails onto Lake Erie, through Lake St. Clair (which 
he names) and Lake Huron, to Green Bay, Lake Michigan ; 
he sends back the Griffin, goes in canoes to the head of Lake 



42 Uhtory of the tJixited States. 

Michigan, there founds Fort Miami, on the St. Joseph's River, 
and makes bis way to the Illinois River (now La Salle Co., 
111.). 

1680. He builds Fort Crevecoeur on the Illinois, 4 days' journey be- 
low Lake Peoria ; sends Hennepin to explore the upper Mis- 
sissippi ; and, the Griffin not having returned with supplies, 
he leaves Tonti behind to found Rock Fort, and with three 
companions sets out (Mar.) to walk to Fort Frontenac (now 
Kingston, Ont.). Hennepin ascends the Mississippi and dis- 
covers the Falls of St. Anthony ; Tonti, being threatened 
by the Iroquois, goes among the Potawatomies on Lake 
Michigan. 

1680. The New Hampshire assembly meets at Portsmouth (Mar.), 
and asserts the right to self-government. Mason, tailing to 
establish his claim to the soil, gees to England, is authorized 
to select a governor, and appoints Edward Cranfield. 

1680. jDunster, President of Harvard, is tried and compelled to re- 
sign for being a Baptist. The General Court of Massachusetts 
forbids Baptists to assemble in their meeting-house, but the 
prohibition is merely a matter of form, and the persecution 
of Baptists finally ceases in Boston. 

1680. The Duke of York acquiesces in Sir W. Jones's decision against 
his claim to customs dues from West New Jersey, and he 
relinquishes by deed all claims to the territory and govern- 
ment. Andros again enters East New Jersey to enforce the 
Duke's claims ; the assembly resists, pleads Magna Charta, 
and the province maintains its independence. 

1680. Lord Thomas Culpepper arrives in Virginia as governor ; ex- 
torts a perpetual export duty on tobacco as a royal revenue 
(June) ; has his salary increased from £1000 to £2000 ; changes 
the value of the currency ; and returns to England (Aug.). 

1680. William Penn solicits from Charles II. a patent for Pennsyl- 
vania (June). John Culpepper is tried in England for treason 
(June), and acquitted. Seth Sothel buys Clarendon's i« shar<* 
in Carolina, and is selected by the proprietaries to look aftei 
their interests in Northern Carolina, in place of Miller ; he do< » 
not go out till 1683. 

1680. Charleston (S. C.) is founded by graziers under John C:l 

pepper. 

1681. Charles II. grants to William Penn (Mar.) a patent for the ter- 

ritory north of Maryland and west of the Delaware, which the 
king calls Pennsylvania; William Markham sails thither as 
Penn's agent (May). 

1681. Discontent in New York leads to the assembling of a popuku 
convention. Andros is recalled to England and knighted. 

1681. Lord Baltimore returns to Maryland, annuls the popular legis- 
lation passed in his absence, and restricts the franchise ; the 
consequent discontent is increased by hostility to the Papists; 
an insurrection under Fendall is suppressed with clemency ; 
the English ministry order that public offices be entrusted 
only to Protestants. 

1681. Jennings, governor of West New Jersey, convenes the Prat 
Quaker assembly (Nov.), which frames a government on tl*«» 
basis of humanity. 



History of the United States. 43 

1681. La Salle returns from Canada to Illinois, and leaves Fort Miami 

for the Mississippi (Dec). 

1682. He descends the Illinois and the Mississippi to the sea, and 

claims for France (9 Ap.) the territory watered by the river, 
calling it Louisiana. Returning' he begins Fort St. Louis, at 
Starved Rock, on the Illinois. 

1682. Massachusetts sends agents to England (Feb.), who find that a 
war against the corporation has begun, and that the case of 
the colony is desperate ; Massachusetts resigns Western 
Maine, but will not concede anything held under the charter. 

1682. Carteret sells East New Jersey to 12 Quakers, under the 
auspices of Penn. (Feb.) ; Thomas Rudyard takes possession 
as governor, or agent, for them. 

1682. Penn publishes a frame of government for Pennsylvania (May) 
subject to the approval of the colonists ; he obtains from the 
Duke of York an assignment of his claims to Delaware, and 
the Swedish settlements at Tinicum, etc. ; sails from England 
(1 Sep.); arrives at Newcastle, Penn. (27 Oct.), and is wel- 
comed by the English settlers at Chester ; he makes, at 
Shackamaxon (now Kensington), his famous treaty with the 
Lenni Lenape ; and marks out the site of Philadelphia (Nov.). 
A convention meets at Chester, and finishes the work of pre- 
paratory legislation (Dec). A conference is had with Lord 
Baltimore as to the boundary between Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania. 

1682. The New Hampshire assembly, convened by Cranfield (Nov.), 

declines to yield its liberties. 

1683. Cranfield, in anger, dissolves the assembly (Jan.), a novel pro- 

cedure which creates discontent. Mason institutes lawsuits 

to collect his land-dues, but without avail. 
1683. Philadelphia founded (Jan.) ; the assembly meets there (Mar.); 

in Aug. there are only " three or four little cottages." 
1683. The Duke of York grants to the Quaker assignees of Carteret 

a new deed of East New Jersey (Mar.) ; Robert Barclay is 

chosen governor for life ; his deputy is Gawen Laurie. 
1683. Lord Culpepper returns to Virginia and deprives the assembly 

of all control over the executive (May) ; the council requests 

the king to recall the grant to Culpepper and Arlington ; 

Arlington assigns his share to Culpepper ; and the charter is 

declared void by process of law. 
1683. Sothel arrives in Northern Carolina and finds tranquillity re- 
stored, and the people prosperous ; he makes unjust exactions. 
1683. The proprietaries dismiss West from the governorship of 

Southern Carolina, on a charge of favoring the popular party. 

Morton is appointed his successor. 
1683. The Duke of York sends Thomas Dongan, a Papist, to New 

York as governor, with instructions to convene an assembly; 

it meets (17 Oct.), and passes a -'Charter of Liberties," with 

toleration to all Christians. 
1683. A quo warranto is issued against the Massachusetts charter, 

and Randolph arrives in the colony with the writ (Oct.) ; the 

General Court makes an ineffectual protest. 
1683. La Salle, leaving Tonti in command in Illinois with instructions 

to descend the Mississippi and meet him, returns to Quebec 



44 History of the United States. 

and sails for France (Nov.). The European population of New 
France is about 10,000. 

1684. La Salle is made commandant of Louisiana (14 Ap.), and 
leaves Rochelle (July) with 4 ships and 280 colonists for the 
Mississippi. 

1684. In Pennsylvania a woman is tried as a witch, but liberated 
(Feb.) ; a huge European emigration takes place ; negro 
slavery is introduced ; Penn sails to England (12 Aug.) to 
settle his claim to Delaware as against Lord Baltimore's. 
His colony already numbers 7000 people. 

1684. In New Hampshire the contest between Governor Cranfield and 
the assembly culminates in rioting. 

1684. The charter of Massachusetts is declared conditionally for- 
feited (18 June) ; and the judgment is confirmed on the first 
day of Michaelmas term. The last meeting of the council of 
" The United Colonies of New England " (formed 1643) is held 
at Hartford (5 Sep.). 

1684. A small colony of Scotch Presbyterians under Lord Cardross 
settle at Beaufort (Port Royal, S. C). 

1684. Virginia is again made a royal province, Lord Howard of 
Effingham being appointed governor in place of Lord Cul- 
pepper. 

1684. In view of an approaching war between the French and the 

Five Nations, the governors of New York and Virginia 
(Dongan and Lord Howard) and the agent of Massachusetts 
meet the Indian sachems at Albany (July), and renew their 
treaties of peace, extending- from the St. Croix (Me.) to Albe- 
marle Sound (N. C). De la Barre, governor of Canada, with 
1700 men, invades the country of the Onondagas in Western 
New York (Aug.), but his troops are wasted by disease, and 
he sues for and is granted a humiliating peace. At the re- 
quest of Dongan, the Mohawks refuse to negotiate with him. 

1685. La Salle's expedition, by mistake, sails beyond the Mississippi 

(Jan.) ; it enters Matagorda Bay (Texas), where the store- 
ship is wrecked ; two ships return to France, leaving La 
Salle with the other, and about 230 colonists ; he builds Fort 
St. Louis on the Bay (June), and starts (Nov.) on an unsuc- 
cessful canoe voyage in search of the Mississippi. De la Barre 
is superseded by Denonville as governor of Canada. 

1685. Charles II. dies (6 Feb.); James H. succeeds; he resolves to 
reduce all the colonies to direct dependence on the Crown. 
Lord Baltimore, leaving - William Joseph as his deputy in 
Maryland, goes to England and appeals in vain : his chartered 
rights are despised. By direction of James, Dongan, gov- 
ernor of N. Y. levies arbitrary taxes without the consent of 
the assembly ; six farmers of Easthampton are arraigned 
before the council for protesting against his tyranny. 

1685. A copy of the judgment cancelling the charter of Massachu- 
setts arrives in Boston (July). 

1685. A large Scotch emigration to East New Jersey takes place. 

1685. Philadelphia has already 600 houses ; a printing-press is set up. 
The Committee of Trade and Plantations decides in Penn's 
favor that Delaware is not a part of Maryland, and the 
boundary is settled by compromise. 



History of the United States. 45 

1685. About 1000 prisoners taken in Monmouth's rebellion are sent 
to Virginia to be indented as servants for ten years ; the 
latter design is not carried out ; in this way Virginia reeeives 
some useful citizens. 

1685. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes (22 Oct.) causes a large 
emigration of Huguenots to New England, New York, and 
especially to Southern Carolina ; they found a church at 
Charleston, and establish a colony on the Santee River (S. C). 

1685. The proprietaries appoint a collector of plantation-dues in 

Southern Carolina ; a new struggle ensues. The Navigation 
Acts are resisted. 

1686. La Salle, with 20 men, starts from Matagorda Bay (Ap.) in 

search of gold mines in Northern Mexico ; on his return, 
finding his ship wrecked, and only about 40 colonists left, he 
determines to make his way by land to Canada. 

1686. English traders penetrate from New York as far as Mackinaw. 

1686. Joseph Dudley is made "President" of the colonies from Nova 
Scotia to Narragansett Bay ; he arrives in Boston (May), and 
establishes arbitrary government. A quo warranto having 
been issued against the charter of Rhode Island, the colony 
appeals to the king for their chartered liberties (May). Sir 
Edmund Andros is made governor of New England ; he lands 
at Boston (Dec.) ; establishes a still more arbitrary govern- 
ment ; requires the colonists to take out new grants for their 
lands, for which exorbitant fees are required ; and demands 
one of the meeting-houses for a church. He also demands 
the surrender of the Rhode Island charter. 

1686. Virginia is governed despotically ; a perpetual revenue is ex- 
torted from the assembly ; no printing-press is allowed ; and 
the Navigation Acts are enforced. 

1686. In Southern Carolina, Spaniards from Florida destroy the 
Scotch settlement at Beaufort ; some of the colonists return 
to Scotland, others mingle with the earlier settlers. James 
Colleton is appointed governor (Aug); a majority of the assem- 
bly refuse to acknowledge the "Grand Model" constitution 
(Nov.), and Colleton excludes them ; they protest against any 
legislation by the minority. 

1686. Penn obtains from James JJ. the release of 1200 Quakers from 

English jails. 

1687. La Salle, leaving 20 men at Fort St. Louis, starts with 16 for 

Canada (Jan.); he and his nephew are murdered by mutineei"s, 
Duhaut and L'Archeve*que, on a branch of the Trinity River 
(20 Mar.) ; Duhaut and another mutineer are murdered in a 
quarrel over the spoils, and the six surviving conspirators 
join the Indians. Joutel and six others (including La Salle's 
brother and nephew) make their way to the Mississippi, 
where, near the mouth of the Arkansas, they see a cross 
(24 July) erected by Tonti, who with a companion, had de- 
scended the river, and established a post ; Joutel ascends the 
river and finds a garrison at Fort St. Louis on the Illinois. 
The 20 left at Fort St. Louis, Matagorda Bay, are nearly all 
killed by the Clamcoet Indians. 
1687. Andros dissolves the government of Rhode Island (Jan.) ; by 
an attack on Castme (Me.) gets into war with the Indians of 



46 ttstory of the United States, 

Maine ; goes to Connecticut (81 Oct.), and demands the sur- 
render of the charter ; it is hidden by William Wadsworth, 
of Hartford, in " Charter Oak ; " Andros assumes the govern- 
ment and writes the word "Finis" to the records of the 
colony. Increase Mather goes to England to complain to 
the king of Andros's arbitrary government. 

1687. The new assembly in Southern Carolina proves more intract- 
able than the old, and their "Standing Laws" are nega- 
tived by the Palatine Court. Colleton attempts to collect 
quit-rents on wild lands, insubordination ensues, the secretary 
is imprisoned, and the governor is defied. 

1687. James II., through Dongan, governor of N. Y., still seeks to 
levy a tax on the commerce of both New Jerseys ; failing, 
he seeks by a quo warranto to abrogate their charters. 

1687. Joseph Marest and another Jesuit visit the Sioux, west of 

Lake Superior. The French from Canada invade the country 
of the Senecas and erect Fort Niagara ; Dongan, governor of 
N. Y., tries in vain to mediate a peace between them. 

1688. Haaskouan, the Seneca chief, advances with 500 warriors, and 

dictates a peace to the French ; they abandon Fort Niagara, 
and all claim to the Indian territory south of Lake Ontario. 
A census of French America shows only 11,249 persons, 
about -^ the population of the English colonies. 

1688. The proprietaries of East New Jersey, to secure the soil, sur- 
render the jurisdiction (Ap.) ; the council of the proprietaries 
of West New Jersey surrenders the government (Oct.) ; and 
both New Jerseys are added to New York. Andros, already 
governor of New England, is made governor of New York in 
place of Dongan, the whole colonies between Nova Scotia 
and the Delaware being united under him in one extensive 
despotism ; Francis Nicholson is made his lieutenant-gov- 
ernor in New York and New Jersey. 

1688. William Joseph, Baltimore's administrator in Maryland, pre- 
scribes an oath of fidelity for the assembly ; it resists and is 
Erorogued ; discontent increases, 
e Virginia assembly proves refractory (Ap.), and is dis- 
solved ; the people resort to arms and threaten insurrec- 
tion, and Lord Howard, the governor, is compelled to prac- 
tise moderation. 

1688. The people of Northern Carolina, after bearing with Sothel for 
five years, depose him and sentence him to a year's exile. 

1688. A daughter of John Goodwin, of Boston (13 years old), charges 
an Irish laundress with theft, and failing in the accusation, 
pretends to be bewitched, and so revives the witch persecu- 
tion in Massachusetts ; Glover, the mother of the laundress, 
is condemned and executed as a witch. Cotton Mather 
preaches on the subject of witchcraft, inciting the persecution. 

1688. James H. is compelled to abdicate (11 Dec). 

1689. William HI. and Mary are proclaimed king and queen in Eng- 

land (13 Feb.). 
1689. Colleton, governor of Southern Carolina, calls out the militia 
and proclaims martial law, but the militia being the people, 
there are no troops to execute the martial law, and Colleton 
is helpless. 



History of the Uhite<f States. 47 

1689. News of the English revolution reaches Boston (4 Ap.), and 
leads to revolution in nearly all the colonies. In Neiv Hamp- 
shire a convention is held which organizes a government ; 
at its second session it reunites the province with Mass. In 
Massachusetts, the colonists, under Green, imprison Andros, 
George (commander of the frigate Rose), and the royal 
sheriff (18 Ap.) ; the old magistrates are reinstated ; and a 
convention meets (May) which urges the i*estoration of the 
charter ; the council refuses consent to the operations of the 
revolutionists and permits only a compromise ; William III., 
on a petition presented to him by Increase Mather (Mar.), 
had recalled Andros. In Plymouth colony, Nathaniel Clark, 
Andros's agent, is imprisoned (22 Ap.) ; Thomas Hinckley, 
the former governor, resumes office ; and the constitution of 
the Mayflower Pilgrims is renewed. In Rhode Island, the 
charter is revived, the officers displaced by Andros are re- 
stored (1 May), except Walter Clark, the former governor, 
who wavers, and the colony is without a governor for some 
time. In Connecticut, the government of Andros is removed, 
Governor Treat resumes office, the charter is restored, and 
an assemblv is convened (May) ; Suffolk Co., L. I., is again 
joined to Connecticut. In New York, a "Committee of 
Safety " reorganizes the government ; entrusts Jacob Leisler 
with the command of the fort (June) ; expels Andros's 
deputy, Nicholson (Aug.) ; and makes Leisler temporary 
governor : members of Andros's government, after fruitless 
opposition, retire to Albany, proclaim allegiance to William 
III. , and disregard Leisler's authority : letters from William 
HJ. to Nicholson or, " in his absence," to " the preservers of 

Seace and order in New York," reach New York (Dec), and, 
Hcholson being absent, Leisler interprets them as the royal 
sanction of his authority. In New Jersey, the government 
simply falls with Andros (June) ; the sovereiguty is merged 
in the crown ; no new governor is appointed ; and the prov- 
ince remains without one till 1692. In Maryland, as the 
deputies of Lord Baltimore hesitate to proclaim William and 
Mary, an armed association of Protestants is formed under 
John Coode (Ap.), which assumes the government ; annuls 
his authority, but leaves him his property ; and overcomes 
his representatives, who consent to the exclusion of Papists 
from office. The revolution in New England excites alarm 
in England, as indicating a daring- spirit. 
The total population of the colonies at this date was about 
200,000, as follows : Massachusetts (including Maine and 
Plymouth), 44,000 ; New Hampshire, 6000 ; Rhode Island 
and Providence, 6000 ; Connecticut, 19,000 ; New York, 
20,000 ; New Jersey, 10,000 ; Pennsylvania and Delaware, 
12,000 ; Maryland, 25,000 ; Virginia, 50,000 ; Carolina (as far 
as Florida), 8000. 

1689. Blackwell, deputy-governor of Pennsylvania, resigns, and 
Penn makes the elected council his deputy. Jealousies 
spring up in Delaware against Penn's jurisdiction. 

1689. France declares war against England (June), "Bang William's 
War ; " it lasts till 1697. At the instigation of Baron de St. 



48 History of the fruited States. 

Castin, the Indians in Maine, in revenge for the injury dont 
them in 1676, massacre 23 people (including Major Waldrony 
and capture 29, at Cocheco (Dover), N. H. (27 June) ; Indians 
from the Penobscot take Pemaquid (Bristol) Fort (Aug.). 
The Iroquois capture Montreal (25 Aug.) ; New England 
makes at Albany a treaty of alliance with the Mohawks 
(Sep.). Frontenac returns to Canada as governor in place of 
Denonville (Oct.). Spain renews the Assiento Treaty for the 
exportation of slaves to Spanish America. 

1689. Mason sells New Hampshire to Samuel Allen, of London. 

1689. The prisoners from Monmouth's army, sent to Virginia in 
1685, are pardoned (Dec). 

1689. Cotton Mather, of Boston, publishes in London his "Memo- 

rable Providences relating to Witchcraft and Possessions." 

1690. Frontenac resolves to make a triple descent into the English 

provinces. A party of French and Indians, including D'lber- 
.. ville, from Montreal, captures Schenectady (8 Feb.) and mas- 
sacres 60 persons, including 17 children. A party from 
Three Rivers, under Hertel, burns Salmon Falls village on 
the Piscataqua (Mar.) ; and being reinforced from Quebec 
and by St. Castin, successfully attacks the fort and settle- 
ment on Casco Bay (Falmouth) in Ap. At the invitation of 
the General Court of Massachusetts a congress of delegates 
from the colonies as far as Maryland is held at New York (1 
May), and resolves to attempt the conquest of Canada and 
Acadia. Divided counsels frustrate the projected land attack 
on Canada ; that by sea fails through the incompetence of 
its commander, Sir William Phipps, who, on reaching 
Quebec (16 Oct.), finding the enemy prepared, turns back. 
Massachusetts issues Bills of Credit. 

1690. Nicholson, ex-deputy-governor of New York, is made governor 
of Virginia. 

1690. The assembly of Southern Carolina proclaims William and 
Mary, and disfranchises and banishes the governor, Colleton ; 
the proprietaries are allowed their possessions. Seth Sothel 
comes from Northern Carolina, and usurps the government. 

1690. The Rhode Island assembly elects Henry Bull governor, and 
organizes a new government. 

1690. The refugees from New York at Albany yield to Leisler ; an 
assembly convened at New York organizes the government. 

1690. Judges Holt and Pollexfen hold ihat negroes are "merchan- 
dise " within the Navigation Act, and that aliens are conse- 
quently by that Act excluded from trading in thenx 

1690. Capt. De Leon, a Spaniard, establishes the mission of San 

Francisco, on the site of Fort St. Louis, Matagorda Bay, 
Texas. A Spanish governor is appointed in 1691. 

1691. Sloughter arrives in New York from England as roj'al gov- 

ernor (19 Mar ) ; he orders the arrest of Leisler and his coun- 
cil of seven ; they are found guilty of high treason ; 6 are 
reprieved, but Leisler and Milborne (his son-in-law), with the 
approval of the council and assembly, are executed (16 May). 
William III. subsequently restored to their families the 
estates of the two men thus judicially murdered. Sloughter 
makes a treaty of alliance with the Five Nations ; he dies. 



History of the Wnited States. 49 

Delaware secedes from Pennsylvania ; Penn recognizes the 
secession, and appoints Markham deputy-governor of Dela- 
ware (Ap.). 

The assembly of Southern Carolina grants rewards for new 
methods of cleaning- rice, which had been introduced from 
Madagascar at an early date. 

William IH. makes Maryland a royal province (June). 

Peter Schuyler, of Albany, gains some successes at the French 
settlements on the Sorel (July) ; the French recover Port 
Royal, N. S. 

William III. offers a new charter to Massachusetts, but it 
reserves such power to the Crown that Cooke, the colonial 
envoy, declines it (Oct.). 

New Hampshire is again separated from Massachusetts, and 
made a royal province ; Samuel Allen, Mason's assignee, is 
made royal governor, and his son-in-law, Usher, of Boston, 
deputy-governor. 

The French and Indians take York (Maine), and kill or capture 
the inhabitants (Jan.); the English restore Fort Pemaquid 
(Bristol) ; they make peace with the Abenakis, but in less 
than a year the Jesuits again incite the Indians to war. 
Rasles, the Jesuit missionary, leaves Maine and winters at 
Mackinaw. 

William III. grants a new charter to Massachusetts, including 
Plymouth, the Elizabeth Islands, and the country as far as 
the St. Lawrence, except New Hampshire, which is made a 
royal province. Sir William Phipps arrives in Boston with 
flie charter, as governor (14 May) ; William Stoughton is 
made deputy-governor. The witch persecution rages at Sa- 
lem, now Danvers Centre (Feb.-Oct.) ; 20 men and women are 
put to death, and 55 are tortured or terrified into confession ; 
btoughton acts as judge of the witch tribunal. The General 
Court abolishes the special court for trying witches, adopts 
the English law, and establishes a tribunal for their trial by 
public law (Oct.). 

Usher organizes the government of New Hampshire. The his- 
tory of N. H. for 25 years is a record of lawsuits about land. 

Sir Edmund Andros is made governor of Virginia (July) in 
place of Nicholson ; he remains till 1698. 

Sir Lionel Copley arrives in Maryland as royal governor ; he 
convenes an assembly which establishes the Church of Eng- 
land, to be supported by general taxation. 

The proprietaries of East New Jersey appoint Andrew Hamil- 
ton governor ; he "serves the people acceptably" till 1698. 

Col. Benjamin Fletcher is made governor of New York in 
place of Sloughter ; the design is revived of extending N. Y. 
from the Connecticut River to Delaware Bay. N. Y. petitions 
the king that the other colonies should contribute to its de- 
fence against the French and Indians. William HI. claims 
command of the militia as a part of the royal prerogative, 
and confers that of New Jersey and Connecticut on Fletcher. 
Penn, accused of being hostile to the English revolution, is 
deprived of the proprietorship of Pennsylvania, which is made 
a royal province, with Fletcher as governor. 



History of the United /States. 

1693. Fletcher reunites Delaware with Pennsylvania (Ap.) ; the 
united assembly insists on the charter and code of laws 
(May) ; Fletcher tries in vain to compromise, and from this 
time the assembly exercises the right of originating its bills. 
Fletcher goes to Hartford, Conn. , to assume command of the 
mihtia(26 Oct.) ; their captain, William Wads worth, refuses 
to yield it, and Fletcher, daunted, returns to N. Y. The 
N. Y. assembly partly establishes the Church of England ; the 
most northerly colony which did so. 

1693. The insurrectionary movement in Southern Carolina comes to 
an end ; Philip Ludwell, on behalf of the proprietaries, investi- 
gates the grievances of the colonists ; and the proprietaries 
abolish the "Grand Model," and grant the request of the 
colonists to be governed by the charter (Ap.). Ludwell is 
made governor in place of Sothel. The negroes of the colony 
are to the whites as 11 to 6. 

1693. The French and Indians, under Villieu, capture the village at 
Oyster River, N. H., and kill or capture 94. The French in- 
vade the Mohawk country, and obtain three successes ; but 
Schuyler, of Albany, attacks them and liberates many cap- 
tives. 

1693. At Salem a reaction sets in against the witch persecution ; the 
grand jury finds bills against 26, but all are acquitted except 
3, and these are reprieved ; Rev. S. Parris, the originator of 
the persecution, is driven from Salem. 

1693. The College of William and Mary founded near Williamsburg, 
Va. ; the second in the U. S. 

1693. Rasles goes from Mackinaw to Illinois for two years as a mis- 
sionary. 

1693. The Spanish settlements in Texas are abandoned ; other settle- 

ments are made subsequently, and called the New Philippines. 

1694. Fletcher and Phipps, governors of N. Y. and Mass., renew the 

treaty with the Five Nations. 

1694. William III. decides that the ordinary control of the militia in 
Connecticut and Rhode Island belongs to their governments. 
Penn, having established his innocence, is restored by royal 
patent as proprietary of Pennsylvania (Aug.). 

1694. Nicholson is made governor of Maryland in place of Copley ; 
the seat of government is removed from St. Marys to Provi- 
dence (thenceforth called Annapolis). 

1694. The proprietaries appoint John Archdale (a Quakes) governor 
of Southern Carolina ; he governs with wise liberality so that 
Scotch and other settlers are attracted thither. 

1694. Queen Mary dies (28 Dec.) ; William ILL becomes sole monarch. 

1695. Penn makes Markham deputy-governor of Pennsylvania and 

Delaware (Mar.) ; the assembly refuses supplies till its privi- 
leges are granted (Sep.) ; Markham dissolves it. 
1695. The English Council of Trade and Plantations is re-established. 
(It was finally abolished 1782.) All colonies north of Carolina 
are directed to furnish quotas for the defence of New York or 
for an attack on Canada ; Maryland and other provinces con- 
sent, but some openly disregard the ordinance, and it is never 
enforced. The attainder of Leisler and Milborne is reversed 
by an Act of the British Parliament. 



History of the Uhitetf States. 51 

A Public Post is established to send letters between Philadel- 
phia and the Potomac eight times a year. 

Easles returns from Illinois to the Kennebec, Maine. 

The French make their last invasion against the Five Nations 
in Western N. Y. , and return to Montreal. D'Iberville and 
St. Castin capture Fort Pemaquid (Bristol), Maine (Aug.). 

New England men emigrate to Southern Carolina, attracted by 
its prosperity under Archdale. He returns to England, and 
John Blake is appointed bis successor. 

The Pennsylvania-Delaware assembly establishes a popular 
government. 

Colonial affairs are entrusted to the Board of Trade and Plan- 
tations. 

Don Andres de Arfiola, with 300 Spaniards from Vera Cruz, 
builds a fort, church, and some houses atPensacola Bay, Fla. 

Hannah Dustin, of Haverhill, Mass. , and her nurse and a boy, 
being taken prisoners to Concord by the Indians, kill 10 of 
them at night and escape in a canoe (Mar.). 

The assembly of Southern Carolina, enfranchises the Hugue- 
nots ; all Christians are tolerated except Papists. 

Penn proposes to the Board of Trade an annual congress of 
20 members, chosen by the colonial legislatures, to regulate 
commerce ; the proposal falls through. 

The Peace of Ryswick signed between England and France 
(20 Sep.). 

The New York assembly is confirmed by Act of Parliament. 
The Earl of Bellamont arrives in New York(Ap.) as governor 
of all New York and New England, except Connecticut and 
Rhode Island ; he administers well ; the Acts of Trade are 
evaded. 

In East New Jersey a strife about land-titles and quit-rents 
arises between the proprietaries and the assembly ; the Lords 
of Trade claim New Jersey as a royal province, and the pro- 
prietaries resolve to resign their claims to jurisdiction. 

A branch of the Shawnees from Carolina, offended at the 
French, settles at Conestogo (Lancaster Co., Pa.) ; others 
follow. 

Louis XP7. grants to Lemoine D'Iberville a commission to es- 
tablish direct intercourse between France and Louisiana ; he 
sails with 4 ships, 200 emigrants, and a company of marines, 
for the Mississippi (17 Oct.). 

He arrives off Florida (Jan.); erects huts on Ship Island (Miss.); 
discovers the Pascagoula River (Feb.); enters the Mississippi 
(2 Mar.), finds a letter written in 1684 by Tonti to La Salle 
safely preserved by the Indians ; returns to the Gulf and 
founds Biloxi (May), and thus begins the State of Mississippi. 
He returns to France, leaving his brothers Sauvolle and Bien- 
ville in command. Bienville explores the forks of the Missis- 
sippi, and descending the river (Sep.) meets at a point since 
called "English Turn" an English ship of 16 guns, which, 
finding the French in prior occupation, turns back. 

Gabriel Marest, a Jesuit from Canada, joins the French mis- 
sion at Kaskaskia (111.). 

New Hampshire witnesses scenes of confusion for years. 



52 History of the United States, 

I 

1699. Penn returns to Pennsylvania (Nov.). 

1699. Bellamont arrests Captain Kid at Boston, for piracy, and sends 

him to England. 

1700. D'Iberville returns to the Mississippi and erects a fort near its 

mouth (Jan.), which is soon abandoned. Tonti abandons 
Rock Fort (111.) and descends the Mississippi (Feb.) with 20 
Canadians. D'Iberville, after selecting a site for Fort Rosalie 
(now Natchez), returns to France. Le Sueur ascends the Mis- 
sissippi (Ap.) and the St. Peter s (now the Minnesota) as far 
as the confluence of the Blue Earth. 

1700. Peace is ratified at Montreal bet ween the French and the Five 
Nations, except the Mohawks. 

1700. The New York assembly passes a law for hanging every Po- 
pish priest who comes into the province — an outcome of the 
intensity of the feeling of the colonists against the Jesuits for 
inciting the Indians to war. 

1700. Pennsylvania surrenders its constitution, and the people are 
authorized to frame another. Penn receives the Shawnees at 
Conestogo as part of the people of Pennsylvania, and they 
scatter along the upper branches of the Susquehannah and 
Delaware; his attempt to legalize marriage among negro 
slaves is defeated ; he grants a charter to Philadelphia (25 
Oct.). 

1700. Yale College founded at Saybrook, Conn. (11 Nov.) ; chartered 

(9 Oct., 1701). 
1701 The seat of government in Connecticut is settled to be at Hart- 
ford and New Haven alternately, an arrangement which con- 
tinued till 1873. 

1701. The Lords of Trade declare that "the independency the colo- 

nies thirst after is now notorious," and a Bill is introduced 
into the House of Commons to abrogate all the colonial 
charters (June). 

1701. La Motte Cadillac, with 100 French, founds Detroit (June), 
and erects a fort. 

1701. James II. dies at St. Germain, in France (6 Aug.) ; Louis XTV. 
recognizes his son, the Pretender, as king of Great Britain 
and Ireland. 

1701. Strife takes place in the Pennsylvania-Delaware assembly be- 
tween the delegates of the two sections (Aug.) ; the assembly 
perfects the constitution ; Penn provides for the separation 
of the two provinces, and goes to England to prevent the 
threatened abrogation of the colonial charters. 

1701. Boston instructs its representatives " to put a period to negroes 
being slaves." Governor Bellamont dies. 

1701. Bilious fever kills many French at Biloxi ; Sauvolle dies, leav- 

ing Bienville in command ; Le Sueur returns from the Upper 
Mississippi with copper ore; D'Iberville arrives with fresh 
colonists and finds only 150 alive. 

1702. The chief French fort in Louisiana is transferred from Biloxi 

to Mobile, the first European settlement in Alabama ; D'Iber- 
ville leaves, his health being broken by yellow fever, and 
only about 30 families remain in Louisiana. 
1702. William in. dies (8 Mar.) ; Anne succeeds. England declares 
war against France and Spain (15 MajO, the "War of the 



History of the United States. 53 

Spanish Succession;" iY lasts till 1713. Lord Combury is 
made governor of New York and New Jersey as successor to 
Bellamont ; he is instructed " to give due encouragement to 
merchants, and in particular to the royal African Co. of Eng- 
land," the principal slave-trading company. Joseph Dudley 
is made governor of Massachusetts ; he holds office till 1715. 

The proprietaries surrender East New Jersey to the Crown, and 
the two New Jerseys are united into one royal province with 
a despotic constitution, under Lord Cornbury as governor. 

The Maryland assembly establishes episcopacy, but adopts the 
English Acts of Toleration ; only Roman Catholics are ex- 
posed to persecution. 

Pennsylvania convenes a legislature separate from Delaware ; 
the two pi*ovinces are never reunited, but they have the 
same governor till 1782. 

James Moore, governor of Southern Carolina, makes an unsuc- 
cessful attack on Fort St. Augustine, Fla. (Sep.); the prov- 
ince issues Bills of Credit for £6000, the first fruits of the 
war being debt and paper-money. 

French Canadians descend the Wabash, and found an Indian 
mission on the present site of Vincennes (Ind.). 

The New York assembly grants £1500 to fortify the Narrows 
(Ap. ), which Lord Cornbury embezzles. 

The Abenakis meet Dudley, governor of Massachusetts, at 
Casco (June), and profess neutrality, but war breaks out in 
six weeks, and the French and Indians attack every garrison 
from Casco to Wells. 

Northern Carolina, 70 years after its settlement, is still almost 
without a government or religion ; the first permanent clergy- 
man is appointed this year. 

The proprietaries instruct Robert Daniel, governor of Northern 
Carolina, to establish the Church of England ; the legislature 
accedes, and prescribes an official oath ; these laws cannot be 
enforced, the Quakers being foremost in opposition. 

The Indians, under Hertel de Rouville, burn Deerfield, Mass., 
kill 47, and take 112 prisoners (1 Mar. ). 

The Boston News-Letter, the earliest newspaper in America, 
first published (24 Ap.). 

Lord Cornbury governs New York and New Jersey despoti- 
cally ; prevents ministers preaching without a license ; dis- 
solves the N. J. assembly twice before 1707, and the N. Y. 
assembly twice before Aug - ., 1708. 

The High Church party in Southern Carolina obtains political 
power, and disfranchises dissenters (two-thirds of the popula- 
tion), who, being refused justice by the proprietaries, appeal 
to the House of Lords. 

A force from Massachusetts burns Rasles's Indian settlement 
at Norridgewock, Me. 

In Northern Carolina the first church is erected ; the governor- 
ship becomes vacant ; anarchy supervenes, with dissensions 
between Quakers and other dissenters, on the one side, and 
churchmen and royalists on the other. 

Moore, governor of Southern Carolina, traverses Georgia, and 
defeats the Spaniards and Indians (15 Dec.) on the Gulf (near 



54 History of the United States. 

St. Mark's, Fla.), thus separating the Spaniards at St. Augus- 
tine from their allies, the French, in Louisiana, and estab- 
lishing Britain's claim to Georgia. 

1706. DTberville dies at Havana. 

1706. A French squadron attacks Charleston (S. C), but is beaten off 
with a loss of 300 killed or taken. 

1706. The Lords of Trade and Plantations, on an address from the 

House of Lords to the Queen, declare that the proprietaries 
of Carolina have forfeited their charter, and the intolerant 
acts of the assembly of Southern Carolina are declared void ; 
the assembly repeals them (Nov.), but establishes the Church 
of England. The colony swarms with negro slaves ; Carolina 
rice is now the best in the world ; a large fur-trade is done 
with the interior, traders penetrating 1000 miles inland. 

1707. The assembly of New Jersey accuses Lord Cornbury of accept- 

ing bribes (Ap.), and rebukes his despotism. 

1707. At the instance of Governor Dudle} 7 , a fleet from Boston at- 

tempts to capture Port Royal, N. S. ; it is unsuccessfid, and 
the failure produces debt, paper-money, and discontent. 

1708. A committee of the House of Commons reports that " the slave- 

trade is important, and ought to be free." 

1708. The New York assembly asserts its rights (Aug.) ; Lord Corn- 

bury submits to its reproof ; he is removed from office and 
Lord Lovelace is appointed his successor. 

1709. Lovelace demands a permanent revenue ; the assembly will 

grant only an annual one. 

1709. The French and Algonquins, under Des Chaillons and Hertel 

de Rouville, destroy Haverhill, Mass. (30 Aug.) ; Samuel Ayer 
rescues several captives ; bounties of from £10 to £50 are 
offered for Indian scalps. New York, Connecticut, and New 
Jersey first issue Bills of Credit to cover war expenses. 

1710. Col. Spotswood is made governor of Virginia, in place of Nott. 
1710. Robert Hunter, successor to Lovelace as governor of New 

York and New Jersey, arrives in New York (May) ; he tries 
for three years to carry out the instructions of the Lords of 
Trade in opposition to the colonists, and finally adopts a pol- 
icy of concession. 

1710. The proprietaries send Edward Hyde to Northern Carolina as 
governor in place of Cary, who then incites a rebellion, and 
attacks Edenton, but is repulsed ; affairs grow worse, and 
Hyde summons Spotswood, governor of Virginia, to his aid. 

1710. The population of Maryland is over 30,000, including negroes. 

1710. The English South Sea, Co. is incorporated. 

1710. A colonial and Engl isl i fleet, under Nicholson, sails l'roin Bos- 

ton (Sep.), and captures Port Royal, Acadia, and changes its 
name to Annapolis, in honor of the queen. 
1711 A committee of the House of Commons reports that "the 
plantations ought to be supplied with negroes at reasonable 
rates," and recommends the increase of the trade. 

1711. A French fort is established at Mobile. 

1711. Yale College is removed from Saybrook to New Haven, Conn. 

1711. An Anglo-colonial expedition of 15 ships, 40 transports, and 
10,000 or 13,000 men, under Sir Hoveuden Walker and Hill, 
leaves Boston (30 July) for Quebec for the conquest of Can- 







Thomas Jeeeekson. 



History of the United States. 55 

ada ; through mismanagement, 8 ships are wrecked (22 Aug.) 
on Egg Islands, north of the mouth of the St. Lawrence, 884 
men being drowned, and the expedition returns. 

The rebellion in Northern Carolina is suppressed with the aid 
of regular troops from Virginia. The proprietaries assign 
lands of the Tuscaroras in Northern Carolina to Swiss and 
German fugitives (Palatines) from the Neckar and Rhine ; 
the Swiss found New Berne, on the Neuse ; De Graffenried, 
agent for the exiles, and Lawson are captured by the Indians 
on the Neuse (Sep. ) ; LaAvson is burnt, De Graffenried is 
allowed to return after 5 weeks ; Tuscaroras and Corees mas- 
sacre the Huguenots at Bath, on Pamlico Sound, and destroy 
and massacre at other settlements on the Roanoke, and on 
Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds (22-25 Sep.) ; Barnwell, from 
Southern Carolina, unsuccessfully besieges the Indian fort on 
the Neuse (now Craven Co.), and peace is signed ; the troops 
from Southern Carolina violate the treaty, and the massacres 
on the Neuse are renewed. 

Yellow fever rages in Northern Carolina ; Spotswood, gover- 
nor of Virginia, succeeds in dividing the Tuscaroras. 

The Indians besiege Detroit, but are repulsed by the French. 

To a petition to emancipate the negroes, the Pennsylvania 
assembly replies that "it was neither just nor convenient to 
set them at liberty." Southern Carolina, following- the ex- 
ample set by Virginia in 1667, removes an obstacle to the 
conversion of negroes by resolving that baptism is not in- 
consistent with slavery. Queen Anne boasts, in a speech to 
Parliament, of success in securing to England, through the 
promised assignment of the Assiento, a new slave-market in 
Spanish America (June). 

Louis XrV grants to Antoine Crozat a monopoly of the 
Louisiana trade (Sep.) ; La Motte Cadillac, who supersedes 
Bienville as governor, becomes his partner, Bienville being 
retained as lieut. -governor. There are only 28 French fam- 
ilies in the whole colony. 

Moore, governor of Southern Carolina, arrives in Northern 
Carolina, and captures an Indian fort on the Neuse (in Green 
Co.) with 800 prisoners (Mar.) ; the assembly of Northern 
Carolina, under a new governor, issues BiUs of Credit for 
£8000 (May) ; the Indians are chased to the swamps of Hyde 
Co., and the prisoners are sold as slaves. The hostile part of 
the Tuscaroras migrate to N. Y., and are received by the 
Five Nations as a sixth. 

The Peace of Utrecht is signed between England, France, and 
Spain (11 Ap.) ; France cedes to Britain Acadia, Hudson 
Bay and its borders, and Newfoundland, and admits Britain's 
supremacy in the American fisheries ; the Assiento Treaty is 
transferred to England, which undertakes to carry to the 
Spanish West Indies 4800 negroes a year for 80 years, paying 
on 4000 a duty of $33.33 per head, and for all over 4000 a 
duty of $16.67 a head; during the 30 years not far from 
30,000 are taken from Africa by the English annually, as 
against 15,000 a year for the previous 20 years. The popu- 
lation of the English colonies is about 400,000. Soon after 



66 History of the Umted States. 

the surrender of Acadia, the French occupy Cape Breton as a 
French possession. 
1718. The new officers of Louisiana land at Dauphine Island, Ala. 
(May) ; the Spaniards prohibit all trade with Florida and 
Mexico. 

1713. The seamen of Connecticut do not number over 190. 

1714. The expenditure in Northern Carolina is £900 a year ; the 

revenue from land-sales and quit-rents is only £169, or about 

£21 for each proprietary. 
1714. The French build and garrison Fort Toulouse, at the junction 

of the Coosa and Tallapoosa, Ala. The Choctas, incited by 

Bienville, drive the English from the Chocta villages on the 

Tombecbee, Ala. 
1714. Queen Anne dies (1 Aug.) ; George I. succeeds. 

1714. The population of the American colonies is about 485,000. 

1715. The Yamassees, incited by the Spaniards, massacre 90 colo- 

nists (15 Ap.) at Pocotaligo (S. C.) and threaten Charleston ; 
but the colonists, under Charles Craven, the governor, defeat 
them on the Salke-hatchie, and they retire to Florida ; South- 
ern Carolina had lost about 400 inhabitants. The war and 
the neglect and arbitrary conduct of the proprietaries lead 
to a revolution, and the colonists determine to govern them- 
selves. 

1715. The Indian allies of the Tuscaroras are established as a single 
settlement in Hyde Co. (N. C); the laws of the first assembly 
of Northern Carolina, passed in 1669, are re-enacted. 

1715. Maryland is restored to the proprietary ; its staple is tobacco, 
with hemp and flax ; linen and woollen manufactures are 
attempted; it lias more white "servants" than any other 
province ; their price is from £12 to £30 each. The assembly, 
in imitation of Virginia and Southern Carolina, enacts that 
baptism is not inconsistent with slavery. 

1715. The proprietaries of New Hampshire abandon their claim to 
the province in despair ; the colonists gain their lands ; the 
waste domain reverts to the Crown. 

1715. Louis XTV. dies (1 Sep.) ; Louis XV. succeeds. 

1715. The Marquis de Aguayo is made governor-general of the New 

Philippines, as the Spanish colonies in Texas were then 
called. 

1716. Bienville chants the calumet with the Natchez, and founds 

Fort Rosalie (now Natchez, Miss.). 

1716. A Public Bank is established in Massachusetts. Samuel Street 

is appointed governor of the province ; the General Court ex- 
extends its jurisdiction over Maine as far as the St. Croix, 
and restores Fort Pemaquid (Bristol), east of the Kennebec. 
The Abenakis had claimed the territory between the St. Croix 
and the Kennebec, on which river Rasles had gathered a vil- 
lage of converts (Norridgewock), and being alarmed at the 
claim of Massachusetts, apply to VaudreuiL governor of 
Canada, who tells them the treatj r (of Utrecht) says nothing 
about their lands, whereupon they resist the claim of Massa- 
chusetts. 

1717. Massachusetts fails in an attempt to establish an Indian mis- 

sion in Maine, to rival that of Rasles. 



History of the United /States. 57 

A proposal is made in England to plant a new colony south of 
Carolina. 

Crozat surrenders the charter of Louisiana, and the territory is 
transferred (Sep.) to John Law's Mississippi Co., " the Com- 
pany of the West," for trading with the Mississippi, China, 
and India ; the colony numbers only 700, including the French 
troops and the negroes. 

Bienville is made governor of Louisiana, in place of Cadillac ; 
he selects the site of New Orleans (June) ; the Mississippi Co. 
sends out a colony of 800 emigrants, which anchors at Dau- 
phine Island (25 Aug. ), enters the Mississippi, and founds New 
Orleans. After 3 years the settlement has only 200 inhab- 
itants encamped among the cane-brakes. 

"War is declared between France and Spain ; it lasts till 1721. 

De Serigny, from France, captures Fort Pensacola, Fla. (May) ; 
the Spaniards recover it within 40 days, and attack the 
French posts on Dauphine Island and at Mobile ; the French 
recapture Fort Pensacola (Sep.); La Harpe claims Texas as a 
part of Louisiana. 

The capital of the South Sea Co. is increased. 

Hunter, governor of New York and New Jersey, returns to 
England ; his authority devolves on Peter Schuyler. 

The first newspaper in Philadelphia is started. 

The revolution in Southern Carolina, impending since 1715, 
takes place (Nov.) ; the assembly resolves to have nothing 
more to do with the proprietaries, asks Robert Johnson, the 
governor, to hold office for the king, and on his refusal, elects 
James Moore governor, and dismisses the officers acting 
under the " Grand Model " constitution. 

The Lords of the Regency declare that the proprietaries of 
Carolina have forfeited their charter, and Francis Nicholson 
(ex-governor of Virginia, etc.) is appointed provisional royal 
governor of Southern Carolina. 

William Burnet, a son of Bishop Burnet, is made governor of 
New York and New Jersey, in place of Hunter. 

The suggestion to plant a colony south of Carolina is revived. 

A Congregational Church is founded at Newport, R. L 

The French begin to erect Fort Louisburg, Cape Breton. 

The South Sea and Mississippi Bubble Co.s burst, and produce 
widespread ruin. • 

Jamaica becomes the centre of a large smuggling trade with 
the Spanish colonies. 

Nicholson's first act in Southern Carolina is to make peace 
with the Cherokees and Creeks ; the hunting-grounds of the 
latter are agreed to extend north to the Savannah ; the Eng- 
lish maintain a fort at the forks of the Alatamaha (Ga.) ; the 
Spaniards protest. 

Joncaire and a party of Frenchmen (including a son of De 
Longueil, governor of Canada) attempt a settlement at 
Lewiston, N. Y. (May). Peace between France and Spain ; 
Fort Pensacola reverts to Spain ; Bienville removes the 
French headquarters from New Orleans back to Biloxi. 

Several M. P.s in England are expelled for having been mem- 
bers of the South Sea Co. 



58 History of the United States. 

1721. Bernard de la Harpe attempts to plant a French colony near 
Matagorda Bay, Texas, abovit this date ; the Spaniards erect a 
fort as evidence of their claim. * 

1721. Virginia, dismayed at the increase of negroes, imposes a tax 
on their importation about this date. 

1721. The government of Massachusetts having seized several Abe- 

naki chiefs in Maine as hostages, the Abenakis demand that 
their territory shall be evacuated, and the chiefs restored ; the 
colonists, however, also seize the young Baron St. Castin, 
a half-breed. The Courant is started in Boston by James 
Franklin, an elder brother of Benjamin (Aug.). 

1722. Burnet, governor of New York and New Jersey, establishes a 

commercial post at Oswego. Daniel Coxe, of New Jersey, 

broaches a plan similar to Penn's in 1697, to hold a colonial 

congress to regulate commerce. 
1722. The governors of Pennsjdvania and Virginia make a treaty 

with the Iroquois at Albany. 
1722. The first court-house is erected in Northern Carolina. 

1722. Westbrook attacks Norridgewock, Me. (Jan.), and, the Indians 

being absent, seizes Rasles's papers, including his dictionary 
of the Abenaki language (now in the library of Harvard). 
The Indians retaliate by burning Brunswick, Me. ; the Massa- 
chusetts government offers £15 for each Indian scalp, after- 
wai'ds £100, and formalty declares war against the Indians of 
Maine and New Hampshire (July), " LovewelTs War." The 
Courant gives offence to the clergy, and the Council of 
Massachusetts resolves to appoint a censor (July), but the 
General Court refuses its concurrence. 

1723. Westbrook burns the Indian settlement on the Penobscot (9 

Mar.), probably at Oldtown or Orono, above Bangor ; the 
Indians attack Dover, N. H. 
1723. Bienville transfers his headquarters back to New Orleans 
(Aug.). 

1723. James Franklin is imprisoned for one month for injuriously 

reflecting on the clergy in the Courant. Benjamin (17 years 
old) leaves Boston (Oct.) for New York, but not finding work 
goes to Philadelphia and establishes a printing-press. 

1724. The Indians again attack Dover, N. H. ; a force from Massa- 

chusetts attacks Norridgewock, Maine (23 Aug.), Rasles is 
killed, and the influence of the French with the Maine Indians 
is destroyed. The Massachusetts government establishes Fort 
Dummer, on the Connecticut (now Brattleboro, Vt.) ; it was 
supposed to be within the limits of Massachusetts. 

1724. The Dela wares migrate to the branches of the Ohio about this 

date. 

1725. The New York Gazette, a weekly, is first published ; the first 

newspaper in New York. 

1725. John Love well, who had obtained two successes over the 

Maine Indians, falls into an ambush on Battle Brook, near 
Lake Love well (in Fryeburg, Me.), and is killed (6 May). 

1726. Many thousand Germans (Palatines) had settled in Pennsyl- 

vania prior to this date. 
1726. George I. "explains" the charter of Massachusetts; his act 
>.« held to require the assent of the colony, which is given. » 



History of the United States. 

The "interfering interest of the African Co." obtains the re- 
peal of the Virginia law taxing the importation of negroes. 

The Maine Indians make peace, and the eastern boundary of 
New England is established at the St. Croix (Aug.). 

The French build Fort Niagara. Governor Burnet makes at 
Albany a treaty with the Indians (Sep.), who cede to him a 
belt of land 60 miles wide south of Lakes Ontario and Erie, 
from Oswego to Cleveland, as well as the country west and 
north of Lake Erie, and north of Lake Ontario. 

George I. dies (11 June) ; George II. succeeds. 

The population of the American colonies is about 600,000. 

Oswego is converted into a fortress, despite the protest of the 
French and the discontent of the Iroquois. 

Southern Carolina complains of "the vast importation of 
negroes." *-■ < 

The Jesuit Du Poisson ascends the Mississippi to the site se- 
lected for Law's plantation among the southern Dakotas. 

Burnet is transferred from the governorship of New York and 
New Jersey to that of Massachusetts and New Hampshire ; he 
is instructed to insist on the grant of a permanent salary ; 
the colonists refuse it ; will only grant it for each yeai\ 

The Shawnees in Pennsylvania gradually foUow the Dela- 
wares to the branches of the Ohio. 

Sir William Keith, ex-governor of Pennsylvania, suggests to 
the king the extension of the stamp-duties to the colonies ; 
the Commissioners of Trade do not favor the idea ; Sir R. Wal- 
pole opposes it. 

James Ed ward Oglethorpe rescues debtors from English prisons, 
and plans an asylum for them and for persecuted Protestants 
in Ameiica. 

Vitus Behring, a Danish navigator in the service of Russia, 
passes through Behring's Straits and shows Asia to be 
bounded by water on the north-east. 

York and Talbot, law officers of the Crown, hold that an 
American slave does not become free by touching the soil 
of England. George II. recommends a provision for the 
African forts, which is granted. 
1729. Bishop Berkeley visits America ; endows a library in Rhode 
_ Island ; resides at Newport for 2)4 years ; and returns to 

England in 1731. 
1729. Everard is made royal governor of Northern Carolina (July). 
Seven cf the eight proprietaries of Carolina sell to the Crown 
their rights for £22,500 (Sep.) ; Lord Carteret reserves his £ ; 
Carolina is permanently divided into North and South ; 
Johnson, governor of South Carolina, is directed to mark out 
townships as far south as the Alatamaha (Ga.). 
1729. Chopart, commander at Fort Rosalie (Natchez), demands the 
site of the principal village of Natchez for a French planta- 
tion, and they massacre nearly every Frenchman there (28 
Nov.), 200 being kiUed ; only two men and some women and 
children are spared as captives. Du Poisson, the missionary 
among the Arkansas, on going to Natchez, is also murdered ; 
the Arkansas vow vengeance against the Natchez. «" The 
French prepare for reprisals ; New Orleans is fortified ; it 



60 History C? the United' States, 

contains 4000 French and 2000 negroes ; Loubois commands 
the French forces ; Le Sueur obtains a force of 700 Choctas. 

1730. Le Sueur makes a successful attack on the Natchez (29 Jan.); 
Lubois completes the victory (8 Feb.); the Natchez take ref- 
uge at Natchitoches, on the Red River, La. New Orleans 
is made the capital of Louisiana. 

1730. Sir Alex, dimming, special envoy for North Carolina, makes 
at Nequassee, in the valley of the Tennessee, a treaty with the 
Cherokees (Ap.) ; Cherokee chiefs go to England, sign a 
treaty, and are presented at court ; the treaty is kept for one 
generation, the Cherokees being thus made a barrier against 
the French in Louisiana. 

1730. At Joncaire's invitation, Shawnee chiefs go with him to Mon- 

treal. 

1731. The French establish Fort Frederick ("the Fortress of the 

Crown ") at Crown Point, Lake Champlain ; they estrange the 
Shawnees from the English, and more go to Montreal, and 
their warriors put themselves wholly under the protection of 
Louis XV. 

1731. Massachusetts, when Governor Belcher opposes its will, re- 
fuses to vote him any salary. 

1731. A site is chosen for a Swiss colony in South Carolina, on the 
Savannah, in the ancient land of the Yamassees. 

1731. The Natchez are attacked by the French at Natchitoches, 

and are broken up and destroyed. 

1732. The Great Sun (chief of the Natchez) and over 400 other cap- 

tives are shipped to Hispaniola and sold as slaves ; the 
French " Comjxmy of the West" surrenders Louisiana to the 
Crown (10 Ap.). 

1732. George Washington born (22 Feb., O. S.). 

1732. The first stage-route between New York and Philadelphia is 
established. There are monthly stages between New York 
and Boston, taking a fortnight on the road. 

1732. The decision (in 1685) of the Committee of Trade and Planta- 
tions, that Delaware was not a part of Maryland, forms the 
basis of an agreement between the heirs of the two proper- 
ties. 

1782. William Cosby is made governor of New York. 

1732. The valley of Virginia first receives white inhabitants. 

1732. Vincennes founds Vincennes, the first European settlement in 
Indiana ; an Indian mission had existed there since 1702. 

1782. George II. grants to Oglethorpe and 20 others a charter for 21 

years (9 June), erecting the country between the Savannah 
and the Alatamaha, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, into 
the province of Geoigia, "in trust for the poor," to be open 
to Jews but not Papists ; the government is given to trus- 
tees ; Shaftesbury is head of the council, but the most influ- 
ential member is Oglethorpe, who sails from England with 
about 120 emigrants (Nov.). 

1783. Oglethorpe arrives at Charleston, S. C. (Jan.); lands his col- 

ony temporarily at Beaufort, S. C. ; selects the 6ite of Savan- 
nah, Ga., where the colonists arrive (12 Feb., N. S.); they 
make a treaty of alliance with the Muskhogees (1 June); 
claim sovereignty over the lands oi the Creeks as far south 



History of the b'mtecf braces. 61 

as the St. John's River, Fla. ; and establish friendly relations 
with the Cherokees. Oglethorpe prohibits negro slavery. 
1733. Cosby, governor of New York, having insisted on new grants 
of lands being taken out instead of the old, John Peter Zenger 
establishes a newspaper to defend the popular cause. 

1733. An Imperial Act imposes duties on rum? sugar, and molasses 

imported from foreign countries into any British plantation, 

1734. At the invitation of the English Society for Propagating the 

Gospel, a colony of Moravians from Salzburg, in Austria, 
sails from Dover (Jan.) for Georgia, and founds Ebenezer, 
near Savannah : in a few years this colony produces £10,000 
worth of raw silk; also indigo. Augusta is founded ; at the pro- 
posal of the Choctas, trade is established between them and 
Georgia ; Oglethorpe returns to England (Ap.), taking Torao 
chichi, the Yamacraw chief, and other Creeks. Discontent 
arises in the colony regarding the limitation of the settlers' 
lands in tail male. 
1734. John Sergeant, a Yale graduate, goes as a missionary among 
the Stockbridge Indians in Western Massachusetts ; he labors 
till 1749. 

1734. Zenger is indicted by the New York government for seditious 

libel (Nov.), is defended by Andrew Hamilton, and acquitted ; 
the trial is deemed the morning-star of the American revolu- 
tion. 

1734 Von Reck, a German traveller, estimates the negroes in South 
Carolina at 30,000, and the annual importation at nearly 
3000 ; the latter figure, at least, is a gross exaggeration. 

1734 A colony from the Scotch Highlands is established on Alata- 
maha Sound, Ga. (Darien). 

1735. A dispute as to the boundaries of Maryland and Delaware is 

taken into the English Court of Chancery. 

1735. Bienville returns to Louisiana as royal governor. 

1736. Oglethorpe lands in Georgia with 300 emigrants (Feb.), in- 

cluding some Moravians, also Charles Wesley as his secre- 
tary, and John Wesley as apostle to the Indians ; the Wes- 
leys remain two years. Oglethorpe sends envoys to St. 
Augustine to negotiate as to the English and Spanish bound- 
aries (Feb.) ; he founds Frederica, on St. Simon's Island, 10 
miles from Darien, and begins a fort there ; marks out a site 
for Fort St. Andrews on the Cumberland (St. Mary's) River 
(Camden Co.) ; and plants Fort St. George on the St. John's 
River, Fla. The Spaniards detain his envoys ; he claims 
their liberty, makes war-alliances with the Uchees (May) and 
other Indians ; hostilities are avoided, the envoys are liber- 
ated, Fort St. George is abandoned, Fort St. Andrews is 
maintained, and the St. Mary's ultimately became the bound- 
ary. Oglethorpe goes to England (Nov.) to prepare for the 
coming conflict with Spain. "• 

1736. The French begin war against the Chickasas. Two expedi- 
tions, one from Illinois, under D'Artaguette, the other from 
New Orleans, under Bienville, are directed to meet on 10 
May, in the Chickasa country (now Lee Co., Miss.) ; D'Arta- 
guette arrives 9 May, and after waiting in vain for ten days, 
and his Indians threatening to desert, he attacks the Chick- 



b2 History of the United titatet,. 

asas, is wounded, and his Indians flee in dismay ; Voisin, a 
boy of 16, conducts the retreat, and carries off some wounded; 
the captives, including D'Artaguette, Vincennes, and Father 
Senat, are tortured and burnt, except one who is spared to 
tell the tale. Bienville's expedition, of 60 boats and pirogues, 
leaves New Orleans for Mobile ; ascends the Tombecbee ; 
arrives at the great village of the Chickasas (26 May), a week 
after D' Artaguette's defeat ; attacks it and is repulsed with 
a loss of 30 killed, and returns to Mobile. The Chickasas, 
flushed with victory, send a deputation of 30 warriors to 
Georgia (July), and make an alliance with Oglethorpe. 
1737. A royal edict of France permits 10 years' free commerce be- 
tween Louisiana and the West India Islands. 

1737. George Whitefield visits Georgia (Dec). 

1738. He returns to England to collect funds for a proposed orphan 

asylum, near Savannah. Oglethorpe raises a regiment in 
England, returns to Georgia (Sep.), and is welcomed at Savan- 
nah with salutes and bonfires ; he finds tbe walls of Fort 
Frederica completed ; he still prohibits negro slavery. 
1738. A negro insurrection in South Carolina is suppressed ; the 
leaders are executed. 

1738. The paper currency in New York, New Jersey, Pennsvlvania, 

and Maryland is worth 100 for 160, 170, or 200 ; that 'of New 
England, 1 for 5 ; of South Carolina, 1 for 8 ; of North Caro- 
lina, 1 for 10. 

1739. Oglethorpe goes to Cusitas, on the Chattahoochee, Ga., and 

renews his alliance with the Muskhogees ; they confirm his 
Indian title to the coast of Georgia. "Whitefield returns to 
Georgia, whence he goes to New England and preaches to 
20,000 people on Boston Common. 
1739. A new French expedition against the Chickasas, with aid 
from Illinois, Montreal, Quebec, and France, numbering 3600 
whites and Indians, assembles at Fort Assumption (Mem- 
phis) in June, but languishes there through the summer and 
autumn. 

1739. England, against the wish of Walpole, declares war against 

Spain (23 Oct.) ; it lasts till 1748. Anson is sent to the Pacific ; 
Admiral Vernon, with six men-of-war, captures Porto Bello 
(22 Nov.) and Chagre. Oglethorpe extends the boundary of 
Georgia to the St. John's River, and urges on South Carolina 
(Dec.) the reduction of St. Augustine. 

1740. Bienville, with a small detachment of the French expedition, 

goes towards the Chickasa country and makes peace (Mar.) ; 
the fort at Memphis is razed ; that on the St. Francis (Ark.) 
is dismantled ; the remnant of the troops from Illinois and 
Canada returns ; Bienville goes to France ; and the Chickasas 
remain masters of the country between Illinois and Baton 
Rouge. The population of Louisiana is 5000 whites and 2500 
negroes. 

1740. Oglethorpe, with a force of 1200 from South Carolina and 
Georgia, invades Florida ; besieges St. Augustine ineffectually 
for 5 weeks (June-July) ; and returns to Frederica. 

1740. Massachusetts obtains the removal of Governor Belcher. 

1740. The English colonies have now 11 newspapers : 5 in Boston} 



History of the United States. 63 

1 in New York ; 3 in Pennsylvania (1 being German) ; 1 in 
Virginia ; and 1 in South Carolina. Up to this date about 
130,000 negroes have been introduced into the colonies. „ 

Whitefield returns to England (Jan.). 

An English expedition of 29 ships of the line, 80 smaller ves- 
sels, 15,000 sailors, and 20,000 land-forces, under Admiral 
Vernon, reaches Jamaica (Jan.) ; receives quotas from all the 
colonies north of Carolina ; and besieges Carthagena : in two 
days fever reduces the effective land-force from 6600 to 3200 ; 
the assailants demolish the fortifications and retire. A med- 
itated attack on Cuba is abandoned (July) ; 9 out of 10 of the 
colonial recruits fall victims to the climate, etc. ; and the flep.t 
returns to Jamaica (Nov.), having lost about 20,000 lives. 

The boundary between Massachusetts and New Hampshire is 
run, and the two provinces are finally divided ; Vermont was 
then, and till after 1763, considered a part of New Hampshire. 

Behring, sailing from Okhotsk in S. E. Siberia, discovers the 
Aleutian Islands and the north-west coast of America (now 
Alaska), so completing the discovery of Behring' s Straits, and 
giving Russia her title to Russian America ; he perishes on 
Behring' s Islands. 

A Spanish expedition of 36 sail from Cuba invades Georgia ; 
unsuccessfully attacks Fort William, on Cumberland Island, 
at the mouth of the St. Mary's ; attacks Fort Frederica, but 
is defeated with great loss (7 July) ; fails in another attack on 
Fort William (18 July) ; and Oglethorpe orders a public 
thanksgiving (24 July) for the end of the invasion. 

Oglethorpe sails to England (July), to meet the complaints of 
disaffected colonists, and never returns to Georgia. 

France declares war against England (31 Mar.), the "War of 
the Austrian Succession," or " King George's War ; " it lasts 
till 1748. Before the news reaches New England, a French 
force from Cape Breton surprises and destroys Fort Canseau, 
N. S., and takes 80 prisoners to Louisburg, C. B. (May). 
The fortifications of Annapolis, N. S. , had been allowed to go 
to ruin, and an Indian attack, under the missionary Le Loutre, 
is repelled with difficulty. The captives from Canseau, being 
sent to Boston on parole, bring intelligence of the condition 
of Louisburg, " the Gibraltar of America," on the fortification 
of which $6,000,000 had been spent, and William Shirley, 
governor of Massachusetts, resolves to attempt its capture. 
Coxe proposes a union of all the colonies for the purposes of 
defence, but the idea is not acted on. The population of the 
English colonies is about 1,000,000 ; that of Nova Scotia about 
16,000, nearly all of French origin. 

At Lancaster, Pa., deputies from the Iroquois (Six Nations) 
meet the governor of Pennsylvania and commissioners from 
Mainland and Virginia (July), and for about £400 recognize 
by c deed theldng's right to the lands of "Virginia," the right 
extending indefinitely to the west and north-west ; Britain 
thus acquires a claim to the basin of the Ohio, and an Indian 
barrier against the French ; Maryland is confirmed to Lord 
Baltimore. 

An expedition of 100 vessels with about 8800 men from Massa- 



o4 History of the United titates. 

17i5. chusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire, under William 
Pepperell, of Maine, appears before Louis burg (30 April); an 
English fleet, under Warren, co-operates ; and after a seven 
weeks' siege the fortress surrenders (17 June); as a reward for 
their services in this enterprise Shirley and Pepperell are 
knighted. Towns in Maine suffer from Indian attacks. 
A tract entitled "The African Slave-Trade, the Great Pillar and 
Support of the British Plantation Trade in America, " by "A.' 
British Merchant," is published in London. 

174G. A large rleet from France, under D'Anville, despatched for the 
recovery of Louisburg, is wasted by storms and pestilential 
disease, and is unable to attack even Annapolis. 

Sir Charles Knowles, the British naval commander, impresses 
seamen at Boston ; the people are enraged at the outrage, and 
in three days most, if not all, of the impressed citizens are 
liberated. 

1747. A French fleet of 38 sail, with troops for Canada and Nova 

Scotia, is defeated off Finisterre, and all captured, by an 
English fleet under Anson and Warren (3 May). 

Fort Massachusetts, at Williamstown, opposite Crown Point, 
Lake Champlain, capitulates to a large force of French and 
Indians; attacks on Concord, Mass., and in Charlestown town- 
ship, on the Connecticut, are repelled. The colonies north of 
Virginia vote to raise over 8000 men to conquer Canada, but as 
no fleet comes from England nothing is done. Pennsylvania 
raises a volunteer militia of 12,000 men; the women furnish 
silk colors ; Benjamin Franklin is "the prime actor" in the 
movement. • 

1748. Peace being expected, the colonial army disbands by direction 

of the Duke of Newcastle (Sep.). It was believed that Britain 
did not desire to conquer Canada, but wished France to keep it 
so as to prevent the Colonies desiring independence. Peter 
Kalm, a Swedish traveller in America, says there was a general 
feeling among the colonists that they would be independent in 
30 or 50 years. 

The peace of Aix-la-Chapelle is signed between Britain and 
France and Spain (7 Oct.) ; Louisburg and Cape Breton are 
restored to France, at which the colonists are discontented. 
Great Britain, however, pays the colonists £183,000 (about 
$900,000) to indemnify them for the cost of the capture of 
Louisburg. 

The paper issue of Massachusetts amounts to £2,200,000, its 
depreciation being at the rate of 7 or 8 to one. A proposal is 
made to return to specie payments. 

The College of New Jersey (now Princeton) is chartered. 

Johnston, Governor of N. Carolina, succeeds in getting an Act 
passed for the collection of quit-rents. 

The Virginia Assembly passes an Act to encourage iron- 
work*. 

The population of the colonies is about 1,150,000; the aver- 
age annual imports are about £75,000; the exports somewhat 
less. 

1749. Bennington Wentworth, Governor of N. Hampshire, grants V> 



History of the United States. 65 

1749. townships west of the Connecticut, in what is now Vermont,, 
and Bennington and Burlington ( Vt.) are settled. 

1749. The population of New York Province is 62,786 whites and 
10,692 negroes; that of New York City is about 12,000. 

Indigo is widely planted in S. Carolina. 

Under strong pressure from the colonists of Georgia, the 
trustees legalize slavery, subject to a condition for the instruc- 
tion of the negroes in religion. 

Theatrical representations are prohibited in Massachusetts 
and Connecticut. 

The partial monopoly of the African Co. in the slave trade is 
taken away, every obstruction is removed, and the African 
ports are opened to English competition — " for the slave-trade 
is very advantageous to Great Britain." Lord Chancellor 
Hardwicke, in Pearce m. Lisle, pronounces an extra-judicial 
opinion confirming that of Yorke and Talbot, that a colonial 
slave does not become free by touching the soil )f England. 
The opinion was afterward set aside by the Court of King's 
Bench. 

The "Ohio Company" obtain in England (March) a grant 
of 500,000 acres of land on the east bank of the Ohio, with ex- 
clusive privileges. 

1750. A member of the House of Lords writes (Feb.) : "The British 

Senate have this fortnight been pondering methods to make 
more effectual that horrid traffic of selling negroes. It has 
appeared to us that 46,000 of these wretches are sold every year 
to our plantations alone." The importation into the Colonies 
of indented white persons called " servants" or "redemp- 
tioners" is still extensively carried on. 

Mass. redeems its paper money at about 1-5 less than its 
current value, future debts to be paid in silver at 6s. 8d. per oz. 

The present boundaries of Maryland and Delaware are de- 
creed by Lord Hardwicke. 

Colonial pig-iron is admitted into Great Britain free of duty. 

1751. Charles, Lord Baltimore, dies; his eldest son Frederick succeeds 

as proprietary of Maryland. The Nanticokes migrate from 
eastern Maryland to the upper waters of the Susquehanna-. 

The first printing-press in New Jersey is established at 
Woodbridge. Philadelphia has a population of about 11,000* 
whites and 6,000 negroes. 

Henry Parker, Governor of Georgia, convenes an Assembly 
(Jan.). 

1752. The trustees of Georgia surrender their Charter (June); the pro- 

vince contains only 3 small towns and some scattered planta- 
tions, with 1,700 whites and 400 negroes; Savannah has 150 
houses, " all wooden, very small, and mostly old." The 
people of Dorchester, S. C. remove, and settle on the river 
Medway, Ga. 

A company of actors from London give theatrical perform- 
ances at Annapolis (Md.), Williamsburg (Va.), Philadelphia, 
New York, and other places. 

Robert Dinwiddie is appointed Lieut.-Governor of Virginia 
in place of Gouch. 

The "New Style" is adopted in Britain and the Colonies j; 



66 History of the United States. 

1752. 11 clays are left out of the calendar, 3 Sep. being reckoned as 
14 Sep. The commencement of the calendar year is changed 
by Act of Parliament from 25 March to 1 January. 

Franklin with his kite brings down electricity from thunder- 
clouds. 

Boston has 17,574 inhabitants; an outbreak of smalbpox 
kills about 550. 
1754. Boundary disputes with the French have been going on since 
1749; the Virginia Assembly grants (Jan.) £10,000 for frontier 
defence, and 600 men are enlisted. New York and S. Carolina 
send three companies to help Virginia. The French erect 
Fort Du Quesne (now Pittsburgh) at the confluence of the Alle- 
ghany and Monongahela rivers; a detachment under Wash. 
ington attacks a French advance party at Great Meadows (17 
April), kills 11 including the commander Jumonville, and erects 
Fort Necessity. Washington subsequently surrenders the fort 
to a superior force, retires, and erects Fort Cumberland. Mary- 
land votes £6000 and New York £5000 in aid of Virginia. The 
British Government sends £10,000, and appoints Gov. Sharpe of 
Maryland commander-in-chief. A convention of delegates 
from N. Y., Penn., Md., Conn., Mass., K. I., and N. H., meets 
at Albany (19 June), and Franklin proposes a plan for a union 
of the Colonies for the purpose of defence; the plan falls 
through owing to the opposition of some of the Colonial Legis- 
latures. 

Connecticut still claims territory west of the Delaware, and 
the "Susquehanna" and "Delaware" companies, having 
obtained from Britain a right to colonize, acquire, with the con- 
sent of the Conn. Legislature, the Indian title to the valley of 
Wyoming and other lauds; the proprietors of Pennsylvania 
claim the territory under their charter. 

The population of New France and Louisiana is scarcely 
100,000; that of the colonies is 1,192,896 whites and 292,738 
negroes. Mass. has 2448 negro slaves over 16 years of age, 
about 1000 being in Boston; in Connecticut and Rhode Island 
the ratio of slaves is higher; in New York City they form 1-6 
of the population; in Philadelphia, 1-4; in Maryland, Virginia, 
and N. Carolina, 1-3 or more; in S. Carolina, over 1-2. 

Capt. John Reynolds is appointed royal Governor of Geor- 
gia; he arrives there (29 Oct.) and organizes the judieiaiy. 

King's College (now Columbia), New York City, is opened. 
The first printing-press is put up in N. Carolina. 
1795. Gov. Reynolds (Ga.) convenes a General Assembly (7 Jan.); 
Edmund Gray factiously attempts to break it up, and he and 
four others are expelled. 

War with France being mooted, Gen. Braddock is appointed 
commander-in-chief, and sent to the Chesapeake with two 
British regiments (Feb.); the Colonies raise money and several 
thousand troops. Braddock, with 1300 men, advances from 
Cumberland, Md., against the French, but when within 5 miles 
of Fort Du Quesne (now Pittsburg), is surprised and attacked 
by a force of 300 French and 600 Indians, defeated, and mort- 
ally wounded (9 July), his troops losing 700 in killed and 



History of the United States. 67 

1755. wounded. The enemy's loss is not over 60. Washington 
conducts the retreat successfully. 

An expedition of 3000 men, under John Winslow, leaves 
Boston for Chignecto (now Halifax, N. S.), and being joined 
by«300 British regulars, the united forces, under Col. Moneton, 
capture the French forts at Beau Sejour and Gaspereau, and 
at the mouth of the St. John's river, and expel the French 
from the Bay of Fundy. The French Acadian population, 
numbering about 7000, are transported (Sep.) to the British 
Colonies, an event which forms the basis of Longfellow's 
"Evangeline," and on which new light has been thrown by 
Mr. Parkman. 

A colonial force of 6000 men, under William Johnson, des- 
tined for an attack on Crown Point (Lake Cham plain), defeats 
a combined force of French and Indians under Dieskau at the 
battle of Lake George, near Fort Lyman (now Fort Edward), 
on the Hudson; Johnson erects Fort William Henry at the 
head of Lake George. 

A force of New Englanders and Indians, under Gov. Shir- 
lay, of Massachusetts, fails in an attempted expedition against 
Fort Niagara, and builds two forts at Oswego. 

Pennsylvania votes £50,000 for frontier defence; several 
Quaker members, objecting to war, resign their seats, others 
decline re-election, and Quaker rule comes to an end; the an- 
nual value of the proprietary estates is £30,000; disputes arise 
as to the right of the Assembly to tax them. Virginia votes 
£40,000 and Maryland £6000 for frontier defence. The Pro- 
vincial Governors meet at New York (Dec), and arrange to raise 
20,000 men to attack Fort Du Quesne, Crown Point, and Nia- 
gara during the coining year. 

New York Province has 83,223 whites and 13,542 blacks. 
The population of New England is about 435,000. 

The New York " Society Library'' is founded. 

After a hearing in England the dispute in Virginia about 
fees for land patents is compromised. Virginia first issues 
paper money; it soon depreciates. 

The Connecticut Gazette, the first newspaper in Conn., is 
published at New Haven. The North Carolina Gazette, the first 
newspaper in N. C, is published at Newbern (Dec). 

Fowle is imprisoned in Boston for contempt for publishing a 
pamphlet satirising the General Court. 

1756. Fowle publishes at Portsmouth (7 Oct.) the New Hampshire 

Gazette, the first newspaper in N. H. 

England formally declares war against France (18 May), 
"the Seven Years' War"; it lasts till 1763. The Board of 
Trade proposes a scheme to tax the Colonies to help to pay the 
war expenses; the idea is badly received in the Colonies and is 
dropped. 

The Marquis de Van.lreuil is appointed Governor of New 
France in place of Du Q aesne. Montcalm, with a force of 5000 
men, takes and destroys the forts at Oswego, capturing over 
1000 men and 135 pieces of artillery (14 Aug.). 

William Denny is sent from England to supersede Morris as 
Dep.-Governor of Pennsylvania (May); the Penn. Assembly 



68 J&lstory of the United States. 

1186. offers large premiums for Indian prisoners and scaipo. 

Boundary disputes between New York and Massachusetts 
culminate in riot and bloodshed. 

Lord Baltimore, proprietary of Maryland, relinquishes his 
claims to tines and forfeitures, and the Assembly grants him 
£40,000. 

Gov. Glen, of S. Carolina, erects Fort Prince Georgo and 
Fort Loudoun at the head waters of the Savannah and Ten- 
nessee. What is now Tennessee first receives permanent settlers. 
IT57. Henry Ellis is made Governor of Georgia (10 Feb.) in place of 
Reynolds. Thomas Pownall is appointed Governor of Massa* 
chusetts (July) in place of Shirley. 

At the instance of the Quakers, peace Is made at Lancaster, 
Penn., between Pennsylvania and the Six Nations and Dela- 
wares. 

Gen. Loudon, with 6000 land forces and 11 sail with 6000 
saiiors, makes an unsuccessful attempt to captuie Louisburg 
(July). Montcalm, with 8000 men, captures Fort William 
Henry, with 2000 men under Mud roe. 

William Pitt is made Prime Minister of Britain (June), and 
resolves to prosecute with vigor the war in America. 

Philadelphia has about 13,000 inhabitants; New York City 
about 12,000. 

The French population of Louisiana Is about 10,000. 
1108. Pitt calls for 20,000 men from the Colonies, Great Britain to 
furnish arms and supplies. Including 22,000 regulars about 60,- 
000 troops are raised, with Abercrombie as cominander-in-ehief . 
Gen. Amherst, with 14,000 men, after a 50 days' siege, captures 
Louisburg (27 July}, and acquires all Cape Breton and St. 
John (now Prince Edward Island) : the inhabitants, numbering 
about 5600, are sent to France. Abercrombie makes an unsuc- 
cessful attack on Fort Carillon (now Ticonderoga), and loses 
about 2000 in killed and wounded (8 July). Abercrombie is 
superseded as commander-in-chief by Amherst. Bradstreet 
destroys Fort Frontenac (25 Aug.), and erects Fort Stanwix 
(now Rome, N. Y.). Major Grant, with 800 men, is repulsed 
from an attack on Fort Du Quesne. On the approach of Gen. 
Forbes with 8000 men, the French set lire to and abanlon Fort 
Du Qnesne (2<t Nov.); the colonial troops take possession (35 
Nov.), and change the name to Fort Pitt (now Pittsburg.) 
The Indians now become inclined to peace. Fort Pownill, on 
the Penobscot, is built. 

The Church of England is established In Georgia. 

The Virginia Legal Tender Act is renewed; it creates oppo- 
sition, and is pronounced void by Order in Council, but, o^ing 
to the eloquent advocacy of Patrick Hemy, the Act is sustained 
in the Provincial Courts. The province exports about 70,00) 
hhds. of tobacco during the year. 
HQ9. Ticonderoga and Crown Point are abandoned by the FrencL 
and captured by Amherst (July). Another force, under Sir 
William Johnson, captures Fort Niagara (24 July), after routing 
a relieving force of 1200 (23 July). Gen. Wolfe defeats the 
French under Montcalm, on the Plains of Abraham, near Que- 
bec (13 Sep.), both generals being slain, and Quebec surrend- 
ers to (he British 04 »e».i. 



History of the United Slates* 69 

1759. War breaks out between S. Carolina and the Cherokees. 

1760. Murray, commander at Quebec, is defeated at Sillery (26 April) 

by the French under De Levi, with a loss of 1000 men and all 
his artillery j he takes refuge in Quebec with 3000 men, 1000 
of whom are unfit for service, and is there besieged. Some 
ships arrive from England with supplies, and DeLevi raises the 
siege (10 May). Amherst embarks at Oswego, and arrives at 
Montreal with 10,000 white troops and 1000 Indians (5 Sep.); 
Murray arrives with 4000 from Quebec (5 Sep.): Haviland 
arrives (6 Sept.) with 3500 by way of Lake Champlain, 
making 18,500. The French Governor capitulates, giving up 
Montreal, Presque Isle, Detroit, Mackinaw, and all other 
French posts in western Canada; the French troops (about 
4000) are sent back to France . 

A large fire destroys a considerable part of Boston (20 
March). 

Francis Bernard, ex-Governor of New Jersey, succeeds Pow- 
nall as Governor of Massachusetts (4 Aug .). 

The Cherokees capture Fort Loudoun, S, C. (7 Aug.), and 
treacherously massacre part of the garrison . 

The Virginia Assembly reduces the import duty on slaves 
from 20 per cent, to 10. 

George II. dies (25 Oct.); George III. succeeds. 

Georgia issues about £7500 paper money. 

The boundaries between Maryland and Delaware are more 
accurately defined. 

An attempt by S. Carolina to impose prudential restrictions 
on the slave-trade is rebuked by the English ministry. 

1761. Grant, with 2600 men, defeats the Cherokees (10 June), who 

sue for and are granted peace. 

The Wilmington Gazette, the first newspaper in Delaware, is 
published at Wilmington. 

Newport, R. L, has about 650 negro slaves. 

James Otis makes his great speech in Boston against 
" Writs of Assistance" to enforce the British Acts of Trade. 

Spain commences hostilities against Britain (Dec). 

1762. France cedes New Orleans and all Louisiana west of the Missis* 

aippi to Spain; Spain does not take possession till 1768. 

The British fleet captures Havana (12 Aug.). . 

The Providence Gazette, the first newspaper in Providence, 
R. L, is published. The first printing-press in Georgia is set 
up at Savannah. 
1768. The Peace of Paris is signed (10 Feb.) between Britain, France, 
and Spain; France cedes Canada and all the territory east of 
the Mississippi to Britain, and to Spain all the territory west of 
the Mississippi; Spain cedes Florida to Britain in exchange for 
Havana. The war had cost the Colonies 30,000 men and 
$16,000,000, of which about $5,000,000 were reimbursed by the 
British Parliament. The New England clergy complain that 
the morals of then parishioners have been corrupted by service 
in the armies. 

Florida is divided by royal proclamation into two pails: 
West Florida, from the Mississippi to the Appalacliicola; and 
Florida, from the Appalacliicola to the Atlantic. 



7Q mstory of the Unite* Bkxm. 

1768. Several Indian tribes, under Pontiao, attack the colon tets along 
the frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia (May), and capture 
a number of posts; the settlers retaliate by massacring a 
friendly tribe at Conestoga, on the Susquehanna; Franklin de- 
nounces these murders. 

It is proposed in Britain to maintain 10,000 regulars as a 
peace establishment to defend the Colonies against the Indians. 
In order to partially defray the expenses of these troops, Charles 
Townshencl introduces into Parliament a bill to impose Stamp 
Duties in the Colonics; the prorogation of Parliament prevents 
the bill from being proceeded with. 

A ferry is started between New York City and Paulus Hook 
(now Jersey City.). 

St. Louis is founded by La Glede, a French fur-trader. 

The Georgia Ouzette, the first newspaper in Georgia, is start* 
ed at Savannah (17 April). 
1763-7. " Mason and Dixon's Line" between Pennsylvania and Mary- 
land (39° 43' 26.3" N.) is run by Charles Mason and 
Jeremiah Dixon, two English astronomers. 
1764. Major Loftus, ascending the Mississippi towards Blinols, Is 
attacked by Indians near the site of Fort Adams, and com- 
pelled to return; two expeditions attack the Indians by way of 
Pittsburg and the Lakes, and the Indians sue for peace. 

A large emigration from the Colonies takes place on to the 
lands on the Monongahela claimed by the Six Nations. S. 
Carolina receives a large European emigration. Emigrants 
from the Roanoke, N. C, settle in West Florida, near Baton 
Rouge; East Florida receives more settlers during the next ten 
years than during the whole Spanish occupation. 

Grenville, the British Prime Minister, brings inTownshend's 
scheme of Colonial taxation in a more formal shape, and the 
House of Commons resolves without a division, " that Parlia- 
ment has a right to tax the Colonies." Action is delayed in 
order to give the Colonies an opportunity to suggest a more 
satisfactory way of raising the money. The " Sugar Act" is 
passed (5 April), reducing by one-half the duties on sugar and 
molasses, and levying duties on coffee and other goods imported 
into the Colonies, for the purpose of '* raising a revenue for 
defraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and seeming 
His Majesty's Dominions in America." Massachusetts protests, 
and instructs its agent in London to urge the repeal of the Act; 
the House of Representatives resolves (June), " that the impo- 
sition of duties and taxes by the Parliament of Great Britain, 
upon a people not represented in the House of Commons, is 
absolutely irreconcilable with their rights." A letter to the 
Colonial agent sa3 r s: "If we are not represented, we are 
slaves I" James Otis publishes a pamphlet entitled, "The 
Rights of the British Colonies asserted," which is also pub- 
lished in London in 1765. 

The British Parliament also passes an Act to restrain the 
Colonies from making paper-money legal tender. The Penn- 

Slvania Assembly send Franklin to England (Oct.) to solicit 
8 repeal of the Act, to protest against the Sugar A*t and the 



History of the United States* 71 

1764. proposed Stamp Duties, to procure the abrogation of the 
authority of the proprietary, and to get Pennsylvania made a 
royal Province. New York (Oct.V Massachusetts (Nov.), Vir- 
ginia (Dec), Connecticut, and Rhode Island petition against 
the proposed taxation. 

An Order in Council settles the boundary dispute between 
New i ork and New Hampshire by declaring the Connecticut 
to be the boundary. 

The Connecticut Courant, the first newspaper published In 
Hartford, Conn., is issued (29 Oct.). 

A scheme is broached in England by Pownall and others, 
for allowing the Colonies to be represented in Parliament. 

1765. Resolutions tor a Colonial Stamp Act are carried in the House 

of Commons, in spite of the opposition of Col. Barre and 
others, by a majority of five to one (27 Feb.); the Stamp Act 
is passed (22 March), to go into effect on the 1 Nov.; a clause is 
added to the Mutiny Act authorizing the Government to send 
any number of troops to America; and the " Quartering Act" 
is passed requiring the Colonies to find quarters, firewood, 
bedding, drink, soap, and candles for the troops. In the Vir- 
ginia Assembly Patrick Henry carries resolutions of protest 
(May). The Massachusetts House of Representatives recom- 
mends a Convention of representatives from all the Colonies to 
meet at New York on the 7th Oct., to consider the Acts (6 
June). 

A change takes place In the English Ministry, and Rocking- 
ham becomes Prime Minister (July). The Government appoints 
Stamp Collectors in the Colonies, which leads to riots, in Boston 
(Aug.); and associations called ** Sons of Liberty" are formed 
in the northern Colonies to resist the enforcement of tbe Act. 
The Pennsylvania Assembly resolves (21 Sep.) that the Act is 
" unconstitutional and subversive of their dearest rights"; pub- 
lic meetings — a novel mode of giving expression to public opi. 
nion — are held throughout the Colonies to protest against it. 
The Colonial Congress meets at New York (7 Oct.), and passes 
a " Declaration ot Rights and Grievances," claiming as their 
birthright all the privileges of Englishmen, including " the 
right ot being taxed only by their own consent." A petition 
Is sent to England for presentation to Parliament (25 Oct.). 
All Stamp officers are compelled to resign, and the stamps 
sent out either remain unpacked or are seized and burnt, and 
it is found impossible to enforce the Act. Citizen's committees 
in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston resolve to import no 
goods from Great Britain till the Act is repealed. 
166. Many petitions by British merchants are presented to Parlia- 
ment for the repeal of the Stamp Act; Pitt contends "that the 
kingdom has no right to levy a tax on the Colonies"; and the 
Act is repealed (28 March) by a vote of 275 to 167, an Act 
having been previously passed asserting the right of Parliament 
" to bind the Colonies In all cases whatsoever"; Lord Camden 
protests against this latter Act. The repeal produces joy 
throughout the Colonies (May), several of which vote statues to 
the King and to Pitt. The joy is dampened by • the remem- 
brance that the Sugar Act is still in force. The Rockingham 



72 History of the United. States. 

1766. Ministry is defeated (Aug.), and Pitt, now Earl of Chatham, 
forms a new ministry, with Townshend as Chancellor of the 
Exchequer. 

William Tryon is made Governor of N. Carolina, in place 
of Dobbs. 

Philip Embury forms a Methodist Society in New York, which 
afterwards becomes the Methodist Episcopal Society of the L". .S. 

The population of Louisiana is about 5500 whites and 5900. 
negroes. 

A controversy springs up in Massachusetts as to the justice 
and legality of negro slavery; it goes on till 1773. 

"Regulators" are formed in S.Carolina to punish horse- 
thieves and other offenders; some of the inhabitants (called 
" Scovilites") protest against this assumption of authority. 

1767. Some of these " Regulators " are arrested and sent to Charles- 

ton, and the feud nearly results in an appeal to arms; it is 
temporarily quieted by the establishment of District Courts, 
but continues to rankle, and the ' ' Regulators ' ' assume the 
name of Whigs, and stigmatise the Scovilites as Tories. 

The General Court of Massachusetts attempts to restrict the 
importation of negroes; the negroes of the province begin to 
sue then* so-called owners for wages, and juries invariably give 
a verdict in favor of the negroes ; these trials are the first 
steps towards the abolition of slavery in Mass. 

Townshend brings in a new bill in the House of Commons 
to raise revenues in America by customs duties to maintain a 
standing-army and to provide permanent salaries for the gov- 
ernors and judges; it passes with very little opposition. The 
Act excites opposition in the Colonies, and John Dickinson, of 
Penn., commences his series of " Letters from a Pennsylvania 
Farmer," showing the danger of allowing any precedent of 
parliamentary taxation. The colonial newspapers, about 25 in 
number, teem with essays on colonial rights. At a large public 
meeting in Boston (28 Oct.) it is agreed to discontinue the impor- 
tation of British goods, and to encourage home manufactures; 
similar meetings are held in New York, Connecticut, and Phila- 
delphia; New York still refuses to provide for the troops 
.stationed in the Province. 

1768. The Massachusetts House of Representatives now consists of over 

100 members; a gallery for spectators has recently been erected; 
its debates begin to attract attention. The House issues a " Cir4 
cular " (11 Feb.) to the other Colonies inviting co-operation hi 
defence of then- rights; Connecticut, New Jersey, Virginia, and 
Georgia give a cordial response to it. The Massachusetts mer- 
chants are irritated by the new strictness in the collection of 
duties ; and the seizure of John Hancock's sloop Liberty, on 
a charge of smuggling wine, occasions a great riot (10 June). 
The House of Representatives refuses, by a vote of 92 to 17, to 
rescind the Circular of 11 Feb., and Gov. Bernard dissolves it. 
The Assemblies of Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, and NewVork 
are dissolved. On the news of the Boston riots reaching Eng- 
land, two regiments are sent to Boston from Ireland. A town- 
meeting hi Boston (12 Sep.) requests Gov. Bernard to summon 
the General Court ; he refuses; the meeting calls a Convention, 



History of the United States. 7S 

1788. and delegates from over 100 towns nieet (22 Sep.), and petition 
Bernard to summons a General Court; he again refuses, and 
denounces the Convention as treasonable. The Convention 
petitions the Bang (26 Sep.). The Council declines to find 
quarters and supplies for the troops from Ireland and Halifax. 
The House of Lords censures the Convention and other popular 
proceedings in Boston, and recommends that the offenders be 
sent to England to be tried for treason. 

The people of N. Carolina complain of extortionate fees; 
associations of " Regulators " are formed which refuse payment 
of taxes and assault the government officials. 

The Six Nations, by treaty made at Fort Stanwix (5 Nov.). 
cede for £10,460 the territoiy between the Ohio and Tennessee 
Rivers j the first settlement in what is now Tennessee is made 
on the Wataga by emigrants from N. Carolina under James 
Robertson} they organize themselves into a body politic. 

Bangor, Me., is settled. Dartmouth College, N. H., is incor- 
porated. Connecticut erects at Norwich its first paper-mill. The 
second theatre in New York is opened on Beekman (now Ful- 
ton) St., near Nassau. Philadelphia contains 4474 houses. 

The N. Y. Chamber of Commerce is founded: it is incorpor- 
ated in 1770. 
1769. The House of Commons passes resolutions condemning the 
Boston Convention (Jan.'); Gov. Bernard is created a baronet. 

Thomas Jefferson's motion in the Virginia Assembly to give 
slave-owners a right to emancipate their slaves, is unsuccessful 
(May). 

^ The Virginia Assembly passes Resolutions maintaining the 
right of self-taxation, petition, remonstrance, and to the local 
trial of offenders. Lord Boutetort, the Governor, dissolves the 
Assembly; the members meet and enter into a non-importation 
agreement. O r 

The Massachusetts House of Representatives resolve (31 May) 
that it is inconsistent with their dignity and freedom to deliber- 
ate in the midst of an armed force, and that the keeping of such 
force during then- session is a breach of privilege; they petition 
for its removal at least during their sessions; the Governor 
declines; the House refuses supplies, and the Governor adjourns 
it to Cambridge (18 June). The Representatives petition the 
King for the removal of the Governor (Sir Francis Bernard); 
denounce a standing army without the consent of the General 
Court as an invasion of natural rights, and highly dangerous 
and unconstitutional; and refuse to provide for the troops; 
Bernard prorogues the Court, and goes to England (1 Aug.), 
leaving Hutchinson as Lieutenant-Governor. 

The S. Carolina Assembly refuses to find quarters for troops; 
and the Assemblies of S. Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, and 
N. Carolina adopt the Virginia Resolutions. The N. Carolina 
Assembly is dissolved; the members meet and enter into a nou- 
importation agreement; Georgia and Rhode Island enter into a 
Bimilar agreement; and New Hampshire is also forced into it. 
Political parties begin to be formed in the Colonies; the parti- 
sans of the mother-country are stigmatised as Tories, and their 
opponents call themselves Whigs. 



74 History of the United States. 

1769. Pownall moves in Parliament for the repeal of Townshend's 
Act; the Government refer the subject to the following session. 
After prorogation, the Government send a Circular to the 
Colonies announcing their intention of repealing all colonial 
duties on British goods; but as the duty on tea and the abstract 
right to tax the Colonies is retained, the Circular produces little 
effect. New York, however, shows symptoms of yielding, and 
at the new elections the " Moderate Party " obtain a decided 
majority; the new Assembly appoint Edmund Burke their 
agent in England; they adopt the Virginia Resolutions, but 
yield so far as to make provision for the British troops; against 
this concession Alex. M'Dougall issues an "Address to tho 
betrayed Inhabitants " of New' York; the Assembly pronounces 
this address a seditious libel, and imprisons M'Dougall; the 
soldiers cut down the liberty-pole, frequent brawls occur 
between them and the people, and they are constantly sub- 
jected to insults by mobs of men and boys. 

The Maryland Assembly passes a bill to regulate extortionate 
fees; the Council negatives it. 

The boundary dispute between New York and New Jersey fe 
settled by joint commissioners. 

Conflicts, with bloodshed, occur in the Valley of Wyoming, 
between the claimants under the Susquehanna Co., of Conn., 
and the grantees of the proprietary of Pennsylvania, who are 
rival claimants to the territory; the claimants under the Co. 
prevail, and they live for two years under a government of their 
own. 

James Otis is assaulted and nearly killed by a man named 
Robinson and other ruffians of the opposite party (Sep.), and 
permanently disqualified for usefulness; his place in the Mass. 
House of Representatives is filled by John Adams, a leading 
member of the popular " caucus" in Boston. 

John Finlay, Daniel Boone, and 4 settlers on the Yadkin ex- 
plore part of what is now Kentucky ; Boone is taken prisoner 
by the Indians ; he escapes, and, after making further explora- 
tions for two years, returns to the Yadkin in 1771. 

Dartmouth College, at Hanover, N. H., is chartered (13 Dec); 
it had grown out of Moor's Indian Missionary School, begun at 
Lebanon, Conn., in 1854, which Wheelock had removed from 
Lebanon to Hanover. 

John Wesley sends two disciples from England to the 
Colonies to plant the new Wesleyan Church in America. 

1770. A body of 8 soldiers in Boston, provoked beyond endurance by 

words and blows, fires into a mob and kills 3 and wounds 5 
others (5 March), an affair known as " the Boston Massacre." 
A town-meeting votes that only the removal of the troops wiU 
prevent bloodshed (6 March). The Lieut.-Governor orders the 
removal of all the soldiers; the eight concerned in the firing are 
tried, but all are acquitted except two, who are found guilty of 
manslaughter and slightly punished. 

The British Parliament repeals Townshend's Act except as to 
file tax on tea; and the Quartering Act (originally limited to 3 

Sears) is allowed to expire. The tax on tea, however, and the 
ugar Act keep alive colonial discontent. The tea-tax, of 8d 



J&istory of the Vhlted States. 76 

1770. per ib., is justified in Britain by the fact that a drawback of Is, 
per lb. is allowed on the tea on leaving Britain, the colonists 
thus gaining 9d per lb. 

Dennis de Berdt, the agent oi Massachusetts in England, 
dies, and Franklin (already agent for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 
and Georgia) is appointed agent for Mass. 

Robert Eden, Governor of Maryland, issues a proclamation 
(Nov.) for the regulation of fees, which is denounced as an 
attempt to tax without the authority of the Assembly; the 
Governor declines to yield, and the dispute is kept up for several 
years. 

The Massachusetts Spy is first published, in Boston (July). 

Tin-ware is first manufactured in the U. S. at Berlin, Conn. 

Queen's College (named Rutgers College in 1825), New 
Brunswick, N. J., established in the interest of the Dutch Re- 
formed Church, is chartered. 

John Murray, the father of Universalism in America, arrives 
in America from England. 

Whitefielddies(30Sep.) atNewburyport,Mass., aged 55 years. 

Rhode Island College (named Brown University in 1804, in 
honor of Nicholas Brown, a benefactor) is removed from 
Warren to Providence. 

The total exports for the year from the Colonies to Great 
Britain are $4,493,150; the imports, $8,549,749. 
H71. A dispute arises between the Mass. House of Representatives 
and the Governor, as to the taxation of the salaries of Crown 
officials, and the House is prorogued without having granted 
supplies. 

Frederick, Lord Baltimore, dies without lawful issue, and 
devises Maryland to a natural son, Henry Harford, a boy at 
school. 

Tryon, Governor of N. Carolina, with a body of volunteer 
militia, marches against the Regulators, and defeats them at 
Alamance (16 May), the total killed and wounded being 200; 
six of the Regulators are executed for high treason. 

Tryon is made Governor of New York (June), and Josiah 
Martin is made Governor of N. Carolina; he successfully 
cultivates the good-will of the Regulators. 

An Order in Council confirms the title of New York to what 
is now Vermont; New York insists on the settlers taking out 
new land-grants, at exhorbitant fees; disputes arise in conse- 
quence. The leaders hi resistance are Ethan Allen and Seth 
Warner, and their followers are called " Green Mountain Boys." 

The settlers in Tennessee obtain an 8 years' lease of their 
lands from the Cherokees. 

The Albany Gazette, the first newspaper in Albany, is started 
(Nov.). 

New York Province has 148,174 whites and '19,833 negroes; 
the city, 21,363. 
1772. Gov. Tryon, of N. Y., makes an unsuccessful attempt to settle 
the dispute with the Green Mountain Boys; and in 1773 goes to 
England to lay the matter before the Government. 

The Crown resolves to pay the salary of the Governor of 
Massachusetts for the future; the Venose denounces this as a 



76 History of the United States. 

1772. violation of their Charter, aud a bribe from the Crown to the 
Governor. A town-meeting is held (28 Oct.), at which a Com- ' 
mittee is appointed to state the rights of the Colonists, and the 
infringements of them. The Committee reports the following 
list of grievances : the attempts to tax the Colonies; the Act 
requiring persons to be sent to England for trial in certain 
cases; the restraints on Colonial manufactures, especially wool 
and iron; and the alleged scheme to establish bishops in Am- 
erica. Franklin has the report printed in London, with a pre- 
face of his own. 

Mrs. Ann Lee ("Mother Ann," the founder of the Shakers in 
America) emigrates from England (May) to America and estab- 
lishes there "the Church of Christ's Second Appearing." 

About 300 German families emigrate from Maine to S. Caro- 
lina. About 6000 negroes are imported into S. Carolina. 

The revenue schooner Oaspe, employed in Narragansett Bay, 
having^ become obnoxious to the people, is burnt by a party 
from Providence (June); a reward of £600 is offered for their 
discovery, but though they are well known, no legal evidence 
can be obtained against them. 

In the English Court of King's Bench, Lord Mansfield, in 
the case of James Somersett, an American slave, decides (22 
June) that slavery is not " allowed or approved by the law of 
England," a decision which liberates about 14,000 or 15,000 
persons in England, who had hitherto been deemed slaves. 

Umbrellas are first introduced into the U. S., from India. 

1773. Gov. Hutchinson objects to the Boston Committee's report as a 

denial of the supreme authority of Parliament; but the Council 
and the House of Representatives reply, maintaining the report. 
The reply is sent to the Virginia Assembly, then in session 
(Feb.), which appoints a Committee (March) to investigate 
the relations of the Colonies, and to correspond with the other 
Colonies on the subject; Lord Dunmore, the Governor, dis- 
solves the Assembly. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode 
Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland appoint simi- 
lar Committees — the first steps toward the political union of the 
Colonies. 

Private letters written by Gov. Hutchinson disparaging the 
popular leaders in Massachusetts are made public there, and the 
General Court addresses the King (9 June) requesting his speedy 
removal. 

Connecticut assumes jurisdiction over the Wyoming settle- 
ment, and incorporates it as the town of Westmoreland, and 
part of the county of Litchfield. The Pennsylvania Assembly 
constitutes the same region the county of Northumberland. 
The dispute is taken before the King in Council, but the decision 
being delayed, Gov. Penn makes unavailing efforts to expel the 
Connecticut settlers. Territorial disputes arise between Penn- 
sylvania and Virginia as to Pittsburg and the district west of the 
Laurel Mountains. 

The MarylandJournal andBaltimore Admrtiser, the first nmrs- 
paper in Baltimore, is issued (20 Aug.). 

The tea-tax is substantially nullified in the Colonies, partly 
by smuggling, and partly by non-importation and non-consump- 



History of the United States. 77 

tion agreements. In England a drawback of the whole duty is 
revived; and the East India Co. is allowed to export tea direct 
to the Colonies. The Colonies take immediate steps to counter- 
work this project. A public meeting (2 Oct.) in Philadelphia 
protests against taxation by Parliament, and denounces " who- 
soever shall aid or abet in unloading, receiving, or vending the 
tea " as "an enemy to his country." Town-meetings are held 
in Boston (3, 5, 17, 18 Nov.) which adopt the Philadelphia reso- 
lutions, and call on the consignees of the tea to resign; and 
there is some rioting. The consignees petition the Governor 
and Council (19 Nov.) to take measures to secure the tea; before 
the Council arrive at a decision one of the tea-ships arrives (27), 
and the Council notify the Governor (28) that they will not be 
parties to an unconstitutional attempt to levy taxes. 

Neighboring towns sustain Boston. A ' ' body ' ' of people of 
Boston and the neighboring towns meet at Faneuil Hall (29), 
order the tea-ship to be moored at a certain wharf, and appoint 
a guard of 25 to watch her. Another meeting is held 
(30), and the owners of the tea-ships are compelled to 
promise to send them back. The Governor, however, refuses 
to permit a clearance till the cargo is landed. Two other tea- 
ships arrive and are taken into the people's custody like the 
other. The "body" reassembles (14 Dec.) and demands a 
clearance, which the collector refuses till the cargoes are landed. 
The Governor refuses a similar demand, and a band of 50 men, 
disguised as Mohawks, board the tea-vessels and empty the 
cargoes of 342 chests of tea into the harbor (16 Dec). 

At Philadelphia the captain of a tea-ship is persuaded to return 
to England without attempting to land his cargo (25 Dec). 

A steam-engine is constructed in Philadelphia, the first in 
America. 
The General Court of Massachusetts objects to the payment of 
judges' salaries by the Crown; 4 of the five judges promise to 
continue to take their pay from the Province; Oliver, the Chief- 
Justice, declines to do this, and the House impeaches him; 
Lieut.-Gov. Hutchinson then prorogues the House. 

The petition of Massachusetts for the removal of Gov. Hut- 
chinson is heard before the Privy Council (29 Feb.), and dis- 
missed as "groundless, scandalous, and vexatious." 

On the action of Boston with regard to the tea becoming 
known in England (4 March), Parliament, at the instance of 
Lord North, and in spite of the opposition of Burke, passes (25 
March) the " Boston Port Bill," shutting up Boston Harbor, 
and, removing the seat of Government to Salem; also a bill for 
regulating the government of the Province which, in effect, 
abrogates the charter; also a bill providing for the trial in Eng- 
land of all persons charged in the Colonies with murders com- 
mitted in support of the Government. Burke moves to repeal 
the tea-tax, but without success. 

A tea-ship arrives at Sandy Hook (21 April), but the pilots, 
under instructions from the city Committee, refuse to bring her 
up, and a " Committee of Vigilants " take possession of her; in 
9 few days she returns to England. Anpther ship arrives, with 



78 History of the United States. 

1774. 18 chests of tea, which the people seize and empty into the 
river. 

A tea-ship arrives at Charleston, S. C. (21 April); the tea is 
landed, but being stored in damp cellars soon becomes worthless. 

Gen. Gage, sent over as Governor of Massachusetts, with 4 
regiments, arrives in Boston (13 May). Massachusetts sends 
Paul Revere, a Boston mechanic and a " Son of Liberty," to 
New York and Philadelphia to invoke co-operation. Public 
meetings are held at Providence (17) and Newport (20) respond- 
ing to Boston, and suggesting a Continental Congress. 

A committee meeting in New York proposes a " Congress of 
deputies from the Colonies" (23 May), and writes to Boston 
asking the committee there to fix a time and place of meeting. 
Similar meetings are held in Philadelphia (26), Annapolis, Md. 
(26), and Baltimore. 

The Connecticut Legislature condemns the late Acts of Par- 
liament, and recommends a Continental Congress (24 May). 
The Virginia House of Burgesses appoints 1 June as a fast-day; 
and Philadelphia and other places do the same. Gov. Dun- 
more dissolves the Virginia House (26 May), whereupon most of 
the members meet (27) and declare that an attack on one Col- 
ony is an attack on all. 

The General Court of Massachusetts meets at Boston (26 May) 
to elect counselors; Gov. Gage adjourns it to Salem, where it 
meets (7 June), and recommends entire abstinence from British 
goods, requests the Governor to appoint a fast-day, and on his 
refusal appoints one itself, resolves that a Colonial Congres? is 
necessary in order to consult on the present state of the country, 
and suggests that it should be held at Pliila. on the 1 Sep. Gov. 
Gage, hearing of these proceedings, dissolves the Court 
(17 June), and so ends the last provincial General Court of Mas- 
sachusetts. A public meeting in Boston (8 June) adopts the 
non-importation and non-consumption agreement, to begin £ 
Oct. Other towns hold meetings in support of Massachusetts. 

Conventions and committees meet in the various Colonies and' 
appoint delegates to the Continental Congress (June-Aug.). 
Virginia resolves (1 Aug.) to import no more slaves, nor British 
goods, nor tea; N. Carolina passes similar resolutions (24 Aug.). 

The Governor of Massachusetts appoints counselors under 
the new Act, but they become objects of popular odium; a ses- 
sion of the superior Court is broken up, and Boston juries refuse 
to be sworn (Aug.). Gov. Gage removes the seat of government 
from Salem back to Boston, begins to fortify Boston Neck, and 
sends soldiers to Charlestown to seize some powder belonging to 
the Province (1 Sep.). A tumultuous assembly proceeds from 
Middlesex Co. to Cambridge, and compels several counselors to 
resign. A Convention held at Milton, Suffolk Co. (9 Sep.), 
resolves that ' ' no obedience is due to either or any part of the 
recent Acts of Parliament, and exhorts all tax-collectors not to 
pay over money in then hands till a new government is organ- 
ized by the people of the Province. A copy of the resolution is 
sent to the Congress at Philadelphia. 

The first Continental Congress, of 53 delegates from 12 Pro- 
vinces (Georgia alone being unrepresented), meets at Philadel- 



History of the United States. 79 

phia (5 Sep.), and elects Peyton Randolph, of Va., president. 
The proceedings are secret, nothing to be published except by 
order; each Province is to have one vote. On receipt of the Suf- 
folk resolutions, Congress resolves to support Massachusetts. 
Congress adopts a " Declaration of Colonial Rights," claiming 
the right of self-government, and enumerating 11 Acts of Par- 
liament passed since 1760 which derogate from the rights of the 
Colonies; it founds the "American Association" denouncing 
the slave-trade, and pledging the signers to non-intercourse with 
Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and to non-con- 
sumption; it also adopts a petition to the King, a " Memorial to 
the Inhabitants of British America," an "Address to the Peo- 
ple of Great Britain" and an " Address to the Inhabitants of 
Canada." The signature of the " American Association " (20 
Oct.) is the beginning of the Union. 

The Massachusetts House of Representatives resolves itself 
into a "Provincial Congress," appoints a "Committee of 
Safety," with power to call out the militia, and orders tax- 
collectors to pay no more money to the Government Treasurer, 
but to pay to a new Treasurer appointed by itself (Oct.); this 
Congress virtually becomes the Government de facto. * 

An Indian war, caused by the murder of 9 persons belong- 
ing to the family of Chief Logan, breaks out on the frontiers of 
Pennsylvania and Virginia; the Indians are defeated (10 Oct.) 
near the mouth of the Kenhawa, and the war ends. 

The Connecticut Assembly orders military preparations to 
resist the British Government (Nov.). The Massachusetts Con- 
gress votes (23 Nov.) to enrol 12,000 " minute men," and issues 
directions for the election of a new Provincial Congress. 

The colonists of Rhode Island seize 44 pieces of ordnance on 
the batteries at Newport, and take them to Providence (6 Dec). 

A large party enter the fort at Portsmouth, N. H., and cany 
off 100 barrels of powder, and some cannon and small arms (13 
Dec). 

The Maryland Convention enrols the militia, and votes £10,- 
000 to purchase arms (Dec). 
Chatham proposes conciliatory measures towards the American 
Colonies, in the House of Lords, 7 Jan., but they are rejected; 
in the Commons, Lord North moves an address to the King, 
declaring the inhabitants of Massachusetts rebels, Feb. ; the 
Parliament passes bills prohibiting Americans fishing on the 
banks of Newfoundland, and restraining the commerce of the 
New England Colonies, March. 

A committee of the Virginia Assembly report a series of 
resolutions to encourage arts and manufactures, particularly 
that of steel, 27 March. 

Gen. Gage musters 3000 British troops in Boston to suppress 
any insurrection, 1 April. 

The Quakers of Philadelphia form the first anti-slavery 
society in the U. S., 14 April. 

Gen. Gage secretly despatches a force of 800 men to seize the 
stores and ammunition gathered by the patriots at Concord, 18 
April; Dr. Warren becomes informed of the move, and Paul 
Revere is hastened to Concord to arouse the minute-men; Pit* 



80 History of the Umted States. 

1775. cairn, with the advance-guard of the expedition, roaches 
Lexington at dawn, 19, and finds 70 minute-men, under Capt. 
Parker, drawn up to oppose him; Pitcairn calls the patriots 
rebels and orders them to disperse; on their refusal he com- 
mands his men to fire, and the first blood of the Revolution is 
spilt; eight patriots are killed, several wounded, and the rest 
scattered; after destroying the stores at Concord, the British 
hastily retreat to Lexington, pursued bj' the minute-men, where 
Lord Percy, with 900 men, comes to their aid, and the whole 
force moves to Boston. 

Gov. Dunmore, of Va., seizes and conveys to a British man- 
of-war a lot of gunpowder belonging to the Colony, 20 April; 
Patrick Henry, at the head of an armed body of citizens, 
demands of the Governor, and recovers, the powder. 

The citizens of New York appoint a committee of 100, and 
invest it with the charge of municipal affairs, pending instruc- 
tions from the Colonial Congress, 5 May. 

A number of volunteers from Connecticut and Vermont, 
under Cols. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, surprise the 
British at the fortress of Ticonderoga and capture it, 10 May; 
Col. Seth Warner, with a few men, captures the Crown Point 
fortress, both on Lake Champlaui, 12; nearly 150 pieces of 
cannon and much needed military stores fall into patriot hands 
by these successes. 

The second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia, 10 
May; John Hancock is chosen President, 24; the delegates 
resolve to resist f urther tyranny, vote to raise an army of 20,000 
men, and elect George Washington Commander-in-Chief of all 
the colonial forces, 15 June; the following officers are appointed 
to aid him: Artemus Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and 
Israel Putnam, Major-Generals; Horatio Gates, Adjutant- 
General; and Seth Poineroy, Richard Montgomery, David 
Wooster, William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Thomas, and 
Nathaniel Greene, Brigadier-Generals; hi the meantime (20 
May), Articles of Union and Confederation are agreed upon by 
the delegates from the thirteen colonies. 

Citizens of North Carolina in convention a* Charlotte, Meck- 
lenberg County, declare themselves independent of the British 
Crown, organize a local government, and begin preparations 
for a military defense, 20 May. 

The British Generals, Howe, Clinton, and Burgoyne, arrive at 
Boston from England, with reinforcements, 25 May; the British 
force now numbers nearly 12,000 men, besides several war-ves- 
sels, under Admiral Graves. Gen. Gage issues a proclamation, 
offering the King's pardon to all rebels (except John Hancock 
and Samuel Adams) who will at once resume peaceful occupa- 
tions, 10 June. At the same time he plans a march to the 
interior, the details of which being reported to Gen. Ward, that 
patriot sends Col. Prescott, 16, with 1000 men to fortify Bunk- 
er's Hill; Prescott erects a redoubt on Breed's Hill, by mistake, 
within cannon-shot of Boston; the British attack the works, 
17, from their naval vessels and the Copp's Hill fort, while Gen. 
Howe leads a storming party of 3000 men; the Americans 
resist two charges, but give way before the third, in which 



History of the United /States. 81 

1775. Clinton joins Howe with fresh troops, and retreat to Prospect 
Hill; the British lose in killed and wounded over 1000, and the 
Americans, 450, Gen. Warren beingainong the killed. 

Acting on instructions from the Provincial Congress, Capt. 
Lamb, with a party of Liberty Boys, removes a number of guns 
from the Battery, in New York, in the face of a heavy fire from 
the British war-vessel Asia, 23 Aug. 

Gen. Washington sends a body of New York and New Eng- 
land troops under Gens. Schuyler and Montgomery into Canada 
to cut off British supplies, Aug.; Montgomery lays siege to St. 
John and is stubbornly resisted for over a month; Col. Ethan 
Allen, with 80 men, attacks Montreal, 25 Sept., and is repulsed, 
taken prisoner, and sent to England; another force, under Col. 
Bedell, capture the stronghold at Chauibly, 30 Oct., while a 
third, under Col. Warner, repulse Sir Guy Carleton, Governor 
of Canada, at Longueil, near Montreal, 1 Nov.; Gen. Prescott, 
Commander at St. John, alarmed at the Governor's defeat, sur- 
renders his post to Montgomery, 3 Nov.; tlie Americans press 
toward Montreal, and under Montgomery enter the city, 13, 
Governor Carleton escaping on a vessel to Quebec; at this time 
750 men under Arnold ascend to the Plains of Abraham and 
demand the surrender of Quebec; fearing a sortie, Arnold falls 
back and is joined, 1 Dec. by Montgomery; they attempt to 
carry the city by assault, 31, but are defeated; Montgomery is 
killed, Arnold wounded, and the Americans under Morgan sur- 
render; the American loss in killed and wounded is 150, and 
the British, 20. 

Peyton Randolph, of Va., first President of the Continental 
Congress, dies 22 Oct. 

Lord Duninore, with a British fleet, is repulsed at Hampton, 
Va., 24 Oct., and declares open war; the local militia take the 
field, and he is again defeated, 9 Dec, at the Great Bridge, 
near Norfolk; five days later the Virginians, under Col. Wood- 
ford, take possession of Norfolk; Col. Robert Howe arrives 
with North Carolina militia and assumes chief command, 15. 

Daniel Boone settles in Kentucky, at Boonesbury. 

The Continental Congress passes an Act ordering the build- 
ing of thirteen vessels, three of 24 guns, five of 28, and five of 
32, and appoints Ezekiel Hopkins Commander-in-Chief. 

A postal route is established and Benjamin Franklin is 
appointed the first Postmaster-General. 

The first issue of Continental money is made this year. 

1776. Washington unfurls the first Union flag, 1 Jan. 

Lord Dunmore sets fire to Norfolk, Va., and bombards the 
place while the fire rages, 1 Jan. 

Thomas Paine writes, 8 Jan.: "Lt>G a Continental Conference 
be held, to form a Continental Charter, drawing the line of 
business and jurisdiction between Members of Congress and 
Members of the Assembly, always remembering that our 
strength and happiness are continental, not provincial." 

Paine publishes "Common Sense" at Phila. (Jan.); 100,000 
copies of it are sold. 

Gen. Charles Lee is sent (Jan.) with 1200 troops to NewYork; 
he enters the city the same <iay that Gen. Sir Henry Clinton 



82 History of the United States. 

1776. arrives at Sandy Hook with a fleet (March) ; Clinton sails 
southward, and Lee, feeing succeeded by "Gen. Putnam, 7 
March, hastens to thwart Clinton's designs in the Carolina* ; 
Washington reaches New York, 14 April, and fortifies the town 
and its approaches. 

The North Carolina militia, under Col. Caswell, defeat 1500 
loyalists on Moore's Creek, 27 Feb. 

Congress appoints an embassy, consisting of Benjamin Frank- 
lin, Silas Deane, and Arthur Lee (March), to proceed to France 
to solicit foreign sympathy and aid; and establishes a regular 
embassy at that Court, 22 Sep. 

Washington proposes an assault on the British at Boston, 1 
March; he opens a heavy cannonade from all the American 
batteries, 2; Dorchester Heights are occupied by an intrench- 
ing force, -4, and a line of fortifications commanding the city 
and harbor is hastily constructed; a heavy storm prevents Gen. 
Howe attacking the Americans with his fieet, and he is forced 
to evacuate the town with over 7000 troops, 17; Washington 
immediately enters the city, garrisons it, and sends the main 
body of his army to New York. 

Constitutions are adopted by South Carolina, 26 March; New 
Jersey, 2 July; Virginia, 5 July; Maryland, 14 Aug.; Dela- 
ware, 20 Sep.; Pennsylvania, 28 Sep.; and North Carolina, 18 
Dec. 

A large British fleet, under Admiral Sir Peter Parker, arrives 
off Charleston, S. C, 4 June; Clinton, who hurried from New 
York on the approach of Lee, makes a landing the same day 
on Long Island, near Sullivan's Island, S. C, and Lee, also by 
forced inarches, reaches Charleston the same day ; the citizens 
had erected a palmetto- wood fort on Sullivan's Island, which was 
mounted with 26 guns and manned by 500 troops under Col. 
Moultrie; the British make an attack by land and water on the 
fort, 28 June; Clinton is prevented landing, and the fort 
delivers such a telling fire upon the fleet thaf after a ten hours' 
struggle, the vessels withdraw; the royal Governor of South 
Carolina is fatally, and Admiral Parker seriously, wounded; the 
British lose in killed and wounded 225, and the Americans, 3 
killed and 22 wounded; during the fight, young Sergeant 
Jasi>er distinguishes himself by replacing the flag, "which had 
been shot away, on a new staff upon the bastion; the British 
leave for New York, 31. 

Richard Henry Lee introduces a resolution into the Congress, 
7 June, declaring that " the United Colonies are, and ought to 
be, free and independent States; that they are absolved from all 
allegiance to the British Crown; and that their political connec- 
tion with Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved. " 
Seven of the thirteen Colonies vote in favor of the resolution; 
a committee is appointed to draw up a declaration in harmony 
with the resolution, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, Va.; John 
Adams, Mass,; Benjamin Franklin, Penn.; Roger Sherman, 
Conn.; and Robert R. Livingston, N. Y., 11; Jefferson is chosen 
chairman and assigned to prepare the declaration; the* Lee 
resolution is taken up for consideration, 1 July, and the declara- 
tion is submitted the same clay; the resolution is adopted by a 



History of the United States. 83 

large majority, 2, and the Declaration of Inaependence receives 
a unanimous support, 4. 

Gen. Howe arrives at Sandy Hook from Halifax, 25 June, 
and takes possession of Staten Island, 2 July; he is joined by 
his brother, Admiral Lord Howe, 12, and by the forces of Clin- 
ton from the south, and musters a disciplined army of 24,000 
men. Washington collects 20,000 raw militia in New York; 
he orders the Declaration of Independence to be read to the 
army, 10 July, after which the populace overthrow the Statue 
of George III. in the Bowling Green and drag it through the 
streets. Washington fortifies the water front, places Gen. 
Greene in command on Long Island, and Gen. Putnam at 
Brooklyn. Howe lands 10,000 men and forty pieces of 
cannon on Long Island, 22 August, and moves in three 
divisions, the left under Grant towards Gowanus, the right 
under Clinton and Cornwallis toward the interior, and the 
centre under De Heister up the Flatbush road ; a conflict 
takes place, 27, at Flatbush; Sullivan is surrounded, over- 
powered, and forced to surrender; Stirling is made prisoner at 
Gowanus; and by noon the British achieve a signal victory; 
the Americans lose 500 in killed and wounded, and 1100 piison- 
ers. Washington crosses over, 28, and directs an unperceived 
retreat to New York; at a council of war, 12 Sep., it is deter- 
mined to retreat to and fortify Harlem Heights; the British 
cross from Long Island and occupy New York, 15; they are 
defeated by the Americans on Harlem Plains, 16; Howe sends 
vessels up the Hudson, 20, and moves his army of 35,000 men 
into Westchester County; the two armies engage at White 
Plains, 28 Oct., and the Americans are driven from their posi- 
tion; Washington crosses the Hudson, 12 Nov., to Fort Lee: 
the British capture Fort Washington, 16, losing 1000 men and 
taking over 2,000 prisoners; the Americans abandon Fort Lee, 
18, which Cornwallis occupies with 6,000 men; he successively 
gains Newark, New Brunswick, Princeton, and Trenton; 
the retreating Americans cross the Delaware at Trenton just 
as the British reach the town, 8 Dec; Washington recruits his 
army, and with 2400 men he re-crosses the Delaware at McKon- 
key's Ferry, above Trenton, 25 Dec, and surprises the Hessian 
troops in that town, 26, taking over 1000 prisoners, besides a 
large amount of ammunition, guns, and stores; he again crosses 
the river the same night; but returns, 30. 

The Algerines take 94 prisoners from American ships, 12 
July. 

A great fire breaks out near Whitehall Slip, New York, 21 
Bep., and destroys a quarter of the city, including Trinity 
Church. 

Washington engages Capt. Nathan Hale to make secret obser- 
vations in the British camps on Long Island; he is captured 
and executed as a spy, 22 Sep. 

The first Society of Shakers in the U. S. settles at Watervliet, 
N. Y., Sep. 

Sir Peter Parker enters Narragansett Bay, takes possession of 
Rhode Island, and blockades the American fleet at Providenee. 
6 Dee. 



84 History of tha CTnUeaS States. 

1776. Congress adjourns from Philadelphia to Baltimore, 13 Dec. 
Rev. John Carroll, Charles Carroll, Benjamin Franklin, and 

Samuel Chase are sent by Congress on a political mission to 
Canada. 

Pennsylvania is purchased from the Penn family by the com- 
monwealth. Paine publishes at Philadelphia the first number 
of " The Crisis " (19 Dec). 

All the leaders of the Methodist Societies return to England, 
except Francis Asbury, who is protected by Judge White, of 
Delaware. 

Hampden-Sidney College, Prince Edward Co.,Va., is founded. 

1777. Washington is joined at Trenton by the troops of Gens. Cadwal- 

ader and Mifflin, 1 Jan.; Cornwallis appears in force from 
Princeton, 2, and slight skirmishing occurs; Washington begins 
intrenching, the enemy defers an attack until the following clay; 
at night, Washington silently withdraws from Trenton, and at 
dawn, 3, he comes up to Cornwallis's reserve at Princeton; the 
Americans attack, the British charge, Washington leads a dis- 
ciplined corps to the field, and achieves a splendid victory; 
Cornwallis, surprised at the deserted Trenton camp and hearing 
the firing at Prfticeton, hastens to aid his reserve and protect his 
stores at New Brunswick; Washington goes into winter-quarters 
with his fatigued troops at Morristown. N. J.; American skir- 
mishing parties take possession of Newark, Elizabethtown, and 
Woodbridge, drive the Hessians in confusion to Staten Island, 
and harass the enemy throughout the spring. 

Georgia adopts a constitution, 5 Feb. 

Letters of Marque and Reprisal are granted by England 
against American ships, 6 Feb. 

Gov. Tryon, of N.Y., with 2000 British and Tories, invades 
Connecticut, destroys a large quantity of American stores at 
Danbury, and burns the town, 26 April; on the following day 
he has an engagement with the militia near Ridgefield, and is 
driven to the coast, embarking under a heavy fire; Tryon loses 
about 300 men and the Americans 150, including Gen. Wooster, 
killed. 

Col. Meigs, with a force of 170 men, crosses the Sound from 
Guilford, Conn., in Avhaleboats, 22 May, attacks the British 
provision station at Sag Harbor, burns a number of vessels and 
the storehouses with their contents, takes 90 prisoners, and 
escapes without losing a man. 

Button Gwinnett, of Ga., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 27 May. 

Gen. Howe, passing from winter-quarters in New York, con- 
centrates nearly his entire army at New Brunswick, 12 June: 
he makes several attempts to entice Washington to battle, ana 
nearly succeeds. 26, but suddenly evacuates New Jersey and 
places his entirearmy on Staten Island, 30. 

The Stars and Stripes are adopted by Congress as the patriot 
flag, 14 June. 

Gen. Burgoyne, with over 10,000 troops, begins the invest- 
ment of Tieonderoga, where Gen. St. Clair has a garrison of 
3000 men, 2 July; the British erect works and plant guns on 
the summit of Alt. Defiance. 5, and that night the Americans, 



History of the United States. 85 

unable to cope with the enemy, undertake a secret retreat, but 
their baggage, stores, and provisions are overtaken and des- 
troyed at Skeenesborough, while the rear division of the army 
is routed at Hubbardtown after an obstinate action, 7; the 
remnants of the army reaches Fort Edward, Gen. Schuyler's 
headquarters, 12; having only 4000 men to oppose Burgoyne's 
force, Gen. Schuyler evacuates the fort, 29, and with Thaddeus 
Kosciuszko, a Polish refugee, as engineer, retreats down the 
Hudson valley to the mouth of the Mohawk, where he estab- 
lishes a fortified camp; Burgoyne reaches Fort Edward, 30, and 
sends a force to capture the provisions stored at Bennington, 
Vt., by the Americans; Col. Stark, at the head of the New 
Hampshire militia, defeats this force, while Col. Warner defeats 
a strong reinforcement the same day, 16 Aug., the enemy 
losing 700, mainly prisoners, in the two engagements. 

Col. William Barton, with 40 militiamen, crosses Narragansett 
Bay in whaleboats, and silently penetrates to the quarters of 
Gen. Prescott, the British commander in Khode Island, 10 
July; the General is seized in bed, and conveyed through his 
own troops and fleet across the bay to Warwick. 

The Marquis de Lafayette comes to the aid of the Americans 
in a vessel fitted out at his own expense, July; he volunteers 
his services to the Congress, by whom he is voted a commission 
of Major-General, 31 j he is introduced to Washington, 3 Aug., 
and is at once attached to the personal stall. 

Admiral Howe, leaving Gen. Clinton in command at New 
York, embarks with 18,000 men, 23 July, and sails for the Dela- 
ware capes; Washington pushes forward to Philadelphia with 
the main body of his troops; Howe, instead of going up the 
Delaware, ascends Chesapeake Bay, disembarks at Elkton, Md., 
25 Aug., and marches toward Philadelphia; the British move 
in two columns against the American position, 11 Sep., the 
Hessians attacking at Chad's Ford, while the bulk of the army 
crosses the forks of Brandywine Creek above, forcing the 
American right, under Sullivan, to give way; the contest lasts 
the entire day and results in the enemy's success; the Americans 
retreat to Chester at night and to Philadelphia the next day; 
the American loss is about 1200 killed, wounded, and prisoners, 
and the British total about 800; Count Pulaski, a Polish volun- 
teer, so distinguishes himself in the action, that Congress votes 
him a commission of Brigadier-General and gives him command 
of the cavalry; Washington re-crosses the Schuylkill and 
advances against Howe, near Goshen, 16, but a storm prevents 
a battle; four days later, Gen. Wayne is surprised by a British 
and Hessian force, under Gen. Grey, at Paoli, and loses 300 
men; Washington abandons Philadelphia to save his military 
stores at Reading;; Congress flees at the approach of the British, 
who occupy the city, 26, and reassembles at Lancaster, 27, and 
York, 30; Howe encamps at Germantown and prepares to make 
Philadelphia his winter quarters. 

Fort Stanwix, commanded by Col. Gansevoort, is invested, 3 
Aug., by Col. St. Leger with a mixed party of Mohawk Indians, 
under Brant, and Tories: Gen. Herkimer, while rallying th% 
militia to Gansevoort's aid, falls into an Indian ambuscade at 



B6 History of the Vnttect States. 

1777. Oriskany. 6, where his party is defeated and himself mortally 
wounded j the same day, a portion of the garrison, under Col. 
Willet, make a successful sortie; St. Leger raises the siege at 
the approach of Arnold and flees, 22. 

Distressed for want of food, Burgoyne crosses the Hudson, 
13, 14 Sep., and encamps on the heights and plains of Saratoga; 
the Americans, under Gen. Gates, have advanced to Stillwater, 
seeing which, Burgoyne determines on an attack and moves to 
within two miles of Gates, 18; a severe action occurs on Bemia's 
Heights, 19, terminating indecisively at dark; Burgoyne, 
alarmed at receiving no reinforcements from Gen. Clinton, 
boldly risks a second battle, 7 Oct., almost on the same ground, 
and is compelled to fall back upon Saratoga; the Americans 
cut off his retreat, and force the surrender of his whole army, 
17; a large train of brass artillery, 5000 muskets, an Immense 
amount of munitions of war, and 6000 of the flower of the 
British army as prisoners reward and cheer the Americans, 
besides giving them a prestige sadly needed at the time. 

Gen. Clinlon, hastening to the relief of Burgoyne, with 3000 
men, assaults and captures Forts Clinton and Montgomery, 6 
Oct., and burns the village of Kingston, 13; learning of the 
surrender, he immediately retreats to New York; Ticonderoga 
and all the forts on the northern frontier are abandoned to the 
Americans. 

Forts Mifflin and Mercer, on opposite sides of the Delaware, 
below Philadelphia, are attacked, 22 Oct.; Fort Mercer is 
attacked by 2000 Hessians, under Count Donop, and the small 
garrison, under Lieut.-Col. -Greene, of R. I., repulse the charge 
at a heavy loss; the attack on Fort Mifflin is at first unsuccess- 
ful, but after resisting several charges the garrison abandon it 
and retire to Fort Mercer, which is also abandoned, 18 Nov.; a 
portion of the British fleet sail unmolested up to Philadelphia, 
20. 

The report of the committee appointed by Congress to draw 
up a plan of confederation is adopted, 15 Nov. 

Gen. Howe retires to winter-quarters at Philadelphia, 8 Dec, 
and Gen. Washington to Valley Forge, 11. 

1778. During this winter, the waters of New York Bay are frozen so 

thick that the British take heavy cannon from Staten Island 
to the city on the ice. 

Philip Livingston, of N. Y., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 12 Jan. 

France acknowledges the independence of the American 
Colonies, and the Khjg signs a treaty of alliance and commerce 
with the American Embassy, 6 Feb.; the alliance clause is 
regarded as a declaration of war by France against Great 
Britain, and the two nations begin to prepare for hostilities. 

Lord North, the British Prime Minister, introduces two bills 
into Parliament, 17 Feb., by which Britain virtually concedes 
all that has been the cause of controversy with the Americans, 
and offers more than they had asked previous to their Indepen- 
dence Declaration; the bills are passed after much opposition, 
Hild the King signs them, 11 March. The Earl of Carlisle, George 
Johnstone, and William Eden are appointed Commissioners, 



History of the ZTnited States, 87 

with Prof. Adam Ferguson, as secretary, to proceed to America 
and negotiate a peace with Congress; a copy of the bills 
reaches Congress, 15 April, and the Commissioners arrive, 4 
June; Congress promptly rejects the bills, and refuses any 
negotiation until Great Britain withdraws her fleets and armies, 
and in clear terms acknowledges the independence of the Col- 
onies. 

The British Ministry is officially informed, 17 March, of the 
French treaty with the Americans, and immediately orders the 
evacuation of Philadelphia and the Delaware, and the concen- 
tration of troops and fleets at New York. 

The French Government orders, 18 April, a squadron of 12 
ships of the line and four large frigates, under Count D'Esta- 
ing, to blockade the British fleet in the Delaware; the fleet 
arrives, 8 July, but Admiral Howe, who had received the min- 
isterial orders, had left a few days previously and anchored his 
fleet at Amboy. 

Gen. Howe is succeeded by Sir Henry Clinton, as General-in- 
Chief of the British forces, in the latter part of May; Clinton 
withdraws the entire army from Philadelphia, 18 June, and 
starts for New York; Washington is anxious to attack him 
while in New Jersey; his council of officers overrule his opin- 
ion, but when the British reach Monmouth, he orders Gen. Lee 
to attack their rear; Lafayette's cavalry advance, 28, but Corn- 
wallis and Clinton charge them to a retreat; Lee loses his head 
and orders a retreat, and while the Americans are fleeing, 
Washington comes up and severely orders Lee to rally his troops; 
shortly afterwards the battle becomes general and rages until 
dark; during the night, the British silently retreat, leaving 300 
killed on the field; the Americans lose about 70; on the follow- 
ing day Lee is arrested, tried by Court-martial for disobedience, 
misbehavior, and disrespect to Washington, found guilty, and 
suspended from command; Washington goes into camp at 
Middlebrook, on the Karitan. 

Col. John Butler, with a force of some one thousand six 
hundred Tories and Indians, enters the Wyoming Valley, 
Penn., 2 July, and spread tenor through the flourishing settle- 
ments; Col. Zebulon Butler, with a force of 400 soldiers, 
marches up the valley to check the invaders, 4, but is attacked 
and overpowered, losing nearly his whole force; nearly the 
entire garrison at the Wyoming fort are killed during a siege, 
and the survivors, with women and children, are shut up in the 
barracks and burned to death; the invaders then ravage all the 
settlements with fire, sword, and the tomahawk. 

Major George Rogers Clarke leads an expedition against the 
British and then- Indian allies in the wilderness of the far north- 
west; he captures Kaskaslda, 4 July, the village of Cahokia, 9, 
and the strong British post of Vincennes, on the Wabash, Aug. 

The French fleet appears off Sandy Hook, 11 July, but being 
unable to pass the bar to attack the British fleet at New York, 
it goes to Newport, R. I., to dislodge the British there; Admiral 
Howe, reinforced by ships from England, hastens to the relief 
of Gen. Pigot; an American expedition under Gens. Sullivan, 
Greene, and Lafayette, crosses the bay and lands on the northern 



38 History of the United States. 

1778. partof Rhode Island, 9 Aug.; on the following day, aprojected 
land and sea movement against the British is frustrated hy a 
great storm, which parts and seriously damages the fleets; the 
British fleet returns to New York, the French goes to Boston, and 
Gen. Sullivan is forced to withdraw, having on his way a suc- 
cessful encounter with Pigot's troops at Quaker Hill, 29. 

New York is visited hy its second great fire, 9 Aug.; it begins 
in Pearl, near Broad Street, and rages with fury several hours, 
consuming 300 buildings ; it is finally extinguished by the mili- 
tary, as all the fire companies have been disbanded; on the same 
day, the British powder-ship Morning Star is struck by light- 
ning and blown up, the explosion damaging many buildings 
along the shore. 

Clinton sends Gen. Grey on an expedition upon the southern 
shores of Massachusetts and among the adjoining islands; Grey 
arrives in Buzzard's Bay, a rendezvous of American privateers, 
5 Sep., and burns 70 vessels, then destroys $323,000 worth of 
property in New Bedford and Fair Haven, and descending on 
Martha's Vineyard, 7, seizes 300 oxen and 10,000 sheep, which 
he takes to New York; Capt. Ferguson sails, 30 Sep. for Little 
Egg Harbor, N. J., where he captures a large amount of 
American stores. ( 

The French fleet sails to attack the British possessions in the 
West Indies, 3 Nov., and on the same day, Admiral Hotham 
(British) sails from Sandy Hook to intercept it; Admiral Byron, 
who has succeeded Admiral Howe, sails for the same destina- 
tion early in Dec. 

A party of Tories under Walter N. Butler, son of Col. John 
Butler, and of Indians under Brant, suddenly descend upon 
the settlement of Cherry Valley, N. Y., 11, 12 Nov., and kill 
or carry into captivity many of the inhabitants, but fail to 
capture the fort. 

Gen. Clinton sends Col. Campbell with a force of 2000 men 
against Georgia, 27 Nov.; the troops land near Savannah, 29 
Dec, defeat the small American force under Gen. Robert 
Howe, and take possession of the city. 

1779. The first society of Universalists in the U. S. is organized at 

Gloucester, Mass., 1 Jan. < 

The Americans being sorely embarrassed by lack of funds 
and the extensive counterfeiting of continental money, Con- 
gress resolves, 2 Jan., to call upon the United States to pay in 
their respective quotas of $15,000,000 for the year, and of 
$0,000,000 annually for eighteen years from the present year, 
as a sinking fund; only $4,000,000 have been obtained by loan 
from Europe; and at least $100,000,000 of continental money, 
besides large local issues by the States, are afloat. 

Gen. Prevost, with a body of troops from East Florida, cap- 
tures the American fort at Sunbury, the only remaining mili- 
tary post in Georgia, 9 Jan., and uniting with Col. Campbell's 
force, sends an expedition against Port Royal, S. C, which is 
defeated, 3 Feb., by a -force under Gen. Moultrie, with severe 
loss; while the British are advancing to Augusta, Col. Boyd 
organizes a body of Tories and commits devastations on the way 
to the royal army; at Kettle Creek he encounters, 14, -Col. 



History of the United States. 89 

Pickens with some Carolina militia, and Is totally defeated, 
Boyd being killed : a number of his men are hung as traitors. 

An expedition from the British fort at Detroit captures Vin- 
cennes from the Americans, Jan. Major Clarke, who had taken 
the place the previous year, makes his way through the 
drowned lands of Illinois, with 175 men, and comes within 
sight of Vincennes, 18 Feb.; with their faces blackened with 
gunpowder the men suddenly enter the place and capture the 
entire garrison, 20. 

Gen. Putnam makes a remarkable escape from the enemy 
under Gov. Tryon, at Horse Neck, Conn., by driving his horse 
down the precipice at the church, and escaping all the bullets 
fired at him by the astonished British (Feb.). 

Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, the new commander of the southern 
department, advances to the west bank of the Savannah and 
sends nearly 2000 men, under Gen. Ashe, across the river; at 
Briar Creek, Ashe is surprised by Prevost, 3 March, and loses 
nearly his entire army; by rapid recruiting, Lincoln gathers 
a force of over 5000 men by the middle of April, and leaving 
Moultrie to watch Prevost, he begins, 23, a march up the river 
to enter Georgia via Augusta; Prevost marches upon Charleston 
and demands its surrender, 12 May, but the approach of Lin- 
coln frightens him away; the Americans attack a British divi- 
sion strongly posted at Stone Ferry, 20 June, but after a severe 
action are repulsed; the main body of the enemy now retire 
to Savannah. 

While these operations are in progress in the south, the cam- 
paign is being vigorously conducted in the north; Sir George 
Collier and Gen. Mathews, with a small fleet, enter Hampton 
Roads, 9 May, ravage both sides of the Elizabeth Biver, destroy 
a large amount of property at Norfolk and Portsmouth, and 
then hasten up the Hudson, where they co-operate with Gen. 
Clinton in capturing the fortress at Stony Point, 31, and the 
fort at Verplanck's Point, opposite, 1 June; Collier, with 2500 
men under Gov. Tryon, sails, 4 July, for the Connecticut coast; 
New Haven is plundered, 5, East Haven burned, 6, Fairfield 
burned, 8, and Norwalk plundered and burned, 12. 

Spain makes a secret treaty with France, April, and declares 
war against Great Britain, June; a great Spanish and French 
naval force attempts to effect an invasion of England, Aug., 
but a violent gale drives the ships into the open sea; an allied 
fleet lays siege to Gibraltar during the remainder of the year. 

Patrick Henry, of Va., dies, 6 June, aged 63. 

A naval expedition is fitted out at L'Orient by the American 
and French Governments, consisting of five vessels, all under 
the command of John Paul Jones; it makes its first search 
after British merchantmen, June, and starting on the second, 
falls in with two English frigates, the Serapis and Countess of 
Scarborough, convoying a fleet of merchantmen, off Flambor- 
ough Head, east coast of England, 23 Sep.; early in the even- 
ing, Jones, in his flagship, the Bon Homme Richard, 40 guns, 
engages the Serapis, 44 guns, commanded by Captain Pearson; 
the frigates are lashed together and a furious battle rages for 
two hours; both vessels take fire and the Richard is about sink- 



90 History of the United States. 

1T79. ing, when the American frigate Alliance comes up and deliver* 
a broadside into the Richard by mistake; a few moments later 
she attacks the Serapix, which soon surrenders; out of 375 men 
on the Richard with Jones, 300 are killed or wounded; Jones 
takes possession of the Set apis, and after another severe engage- 
ment captures the Scarbo, ough, while the Richard sinks; both 
prizes, valued at $200,000, are taken to Holland. 

Gen. Wayne achieves one of the most brilliant victories of 
the war in the recapture of Stony Point, 15 July, by a series 
bayonet charges and hand-to-hand fights, following a thorough 
surprise of the enemy; the British lose in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners upwards of GOO men, besides a large amount of mili- 
tary stores, while the total American loss is about 100. 

Massachusetts fits out a flotilla of 37 vessels for an expedition 
against the British post on the Penobscot River; it arrives 25 
July, and, after a delay of fifteen days, the Americans are 
about to assault, when a British fleet suddenly appeal's, 13 Aug. 
and completely destroys the flotilla. 

George Boss, of Penn., a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, dies, July. 

Major Lee surprises the British gawison at Paulus Hook, 
opposite New York, 19 Aug., kills 30 and takes 160 prison- 
ers, for which daring act Congress votes him its thanks and a 
gold medal. 

A strong force under Gen. Sullivan (3000 men) marches up 
the Susquehanna from Wyoming, and is joined at Tioga Point, 
22 Aug., by Gen. James Clinton with 1600 men; the troops 
attack a large body of Indians and Tories, fortified at Elmira, 
29, and defeat them beyond resistance; Sullivan then goes 
through the Indian country, burns forty of their villages, and 
destroys 150,000 bushels of corn. 

The French fleet returning from the West Indies, D'Estaing 
is ordered to the coast of Georgia to co-operate with Gen. Lin- 
coln in an assault on Savannah; he reaches the coast, 9 Sep. 
and a united siege is laid to the city; an assault is made, 9 Oct. 
and the Americans are repulsed, with a loss of nearly 1000 in 
killed and wounded, Count Pulaski receiving a mortal shot; 
Count D'Estaing withdraws his fleet, and Gen. Lincoln retreats 
into South Carolina, 18. 

Fearing an attack from the French fleet, Sir Henry Clinton 
orders a retreat of the forces in Rhode Island to New York« 
and it is made in such haste, 25 Oct., that the British leave alj 
their heavy artillery and a large quantity of stores behind 
them. 

Joseph Hewes, of N. C, a signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, dies, 10 Nov. 

The British Parliament votes for the service of 1780, the sum 
of $100,000,000, 85,000 seamen, and 35,000 troops, in addition 
to those already in America. r 

1780. This is a year of almost uninterrupted disaster to the patriot 
cause; Sir Henry Clinton, leaving Gen. Knyphausen In com- 
mand at New York, arrives on the coast of Georgia late in Jan. 
with the bulk of his army, convoyed by Admiral Arbuthnotj 
he leaves Savannah, 10 Feb., takes possession of the islands 



History of the United Stain. 01 

south of Charleston, 11, crosses the Ashley River, 89 March, 
and begins erecting batteries near the American works, 1 
April; Arbuthnot passes Fort Moultrie with his fleet, 9 April, 
and anchors in Charleston Harbor; Clinton sends a detachment 
©f 1400 men under Webster, Tarleton, and Ferguson against 
Gen. Huger, at Monk'3 Corner, 14, when the Americans are 
surprised and put to flight; Tarleton surprises a patriot corps 
on the Santee, 6 May, Fort Moultrie is surrendered the same 
day, and Gen. Lincoln, completely environed by the enemy 
and with no prospect of relief for his little band , is compelled 
to surrender Charleston, with himself and his command pris- 
oners, 12. With a view to recovering the rest of the province, 
Clinton dispatches three expeditions — one seizes the post of 
Ninety-Six, another scours the Savannah country , and the third, 
under Cornwallis, crosses the Santee and occupies Georgetown; 
elated at the ensuing apparent tranquillity, Clinton places Corn- 
wallis in command, and leaves for New York, 5 June, with the 
greater part of his troops. ^ 

The Bank of Pennsylvania, the first in the U. S., is chartered 
1 March, and located in Philadelphia. 

The Assembly of Pennsylvania passes an Act for the gradual 
abolition of slavery, 1 March. % 

The town of Nashville, Tenn., is founded. 

Congress sends Gen. Gates to succeed Baron de Kalb, who. 
by the surrender of Gen. Lincoln, had become Commander-in- 
Chief in the South. 

Gen. Knyphausen, with 5000 men, crosses from Staten Island 
into New Jersey, 7 June, occupies Elizabethtown, burns Con- 
necticut Farms, and approaches Springfield, but withdraws on 
the advance of troops f rom Morristown ; Clinton, on his arrival 
at New York, joins this force with additional troops, 22 
June, sends Washington on a feint towards the Highlands, 
and strikes Greene at Springfield, 23, with 5000 infantry, a 
large cavalry force, and 20 guns; Greene defeats Clinton, who, 
after firing the village, retreats to the island. 

Benjamin Randall, having been converted by the preaching 
of George Whitefield, is ordained, and organizes at New Dur- 
ham, N. H., the first Freewill Baptist Church in America, 30 
June. 

A powerful French fleet under Admiral Ternay, with 6000 
soldiers under the Count de Rochambeau, arrives at Newport, 
R. I., 10 July; to prevent a conflict of authority, the King of 
France, at the personal solicitation of Lafayette, appoints 
Washington a Lieutenant-General of France, by which he 
outranks the Count and becomes Commander-in-Chief of the 
united forces. 

In South Carolina, Col. Sumter attacks a British force at 
Rocky Mount, 30 July, and is repulsed; rallying his forces he 
surprises and defeats a large body of British regulars and 
Tories at Hanging Rock, 6 Aug. Gen. Gates approaching with 
reinforcements for the south, Lord Rawdon masses the British 
at Camden and sends for Cornwallis, at Charleston; Gates 
advances from Clermont, 14, to surprise the British, while 
Cornwallis and Rawdon leave Camden to surprise the Anieri- 



M History of the United States. 

1780. cans; the armies meet near Sanders' Creek, and a general 
engagement is opened, 16; the Americans are charged with the 
bayonet and byTarleton's cavalry, and being outnumbered and 
surrounded, are completely routed, with a loss in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners of 1000, besides all their artillery and 
ammunition; the British loss is 350; Baron de Kalb is among 
the wounded, mortally. Two days later, Sumter's corps is sur- 
prised by Tarleton, at Fishing Creek, and routed with heavy 
loss. 

A Convention of the New England States is held in Boston, 
Aug., which declares for a more solid and permanent union 
under one supreme head, and " a Congress competent for the 
government of all those common and national affairs which do 
not nor cannot come within the jurisdiction of the separate 
States." 

Benedict Arnold, one of the bravest and most skilfull of the 
patriot generals, whose services had been rewarded by Congress 
with the command of Philadelphia after the evacuation, smart- 
ing under a reprimand administered by Washington in obedi- 
ence to the sentence of a court-martial, determines upon a 
course of the blackest infamy; appointed commander of the 
important fortress of West Point, on the Hudson, Aug., he 
negotiates a surrender of the post with Clinton through Major 
Andre, the British Adjutant-General, his price being £10,000 
and a commission as Brigadier in the British army; Andre sails 
up the river in the Vulture, confers with Arnold near Haver- 
straw, 22 Sep., and, attempting to return to the vessel, finds it 
has been driven down the river by artillerists at Teller's Point; 
he crosse^he river in disguise, and while making his way to 
New YprkTfby land, is seized at Tarry town, 23, by John 
Pauldir^,, -David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart, who find in 
his boots the criminating papers; he is tried by court-martial, 
declared a spy on his own confession, and hanged at Tappan, 
2 Oct.; Arnold effects his escape; Congress votes each of 
Andre's captors its thanks, a silver medal, and a pension of 
$200 a year for life. 

Under orders from Cornwallis, Col. Ferguson invades North 
Carolina, Sep.; he crosses Broad River, 1 Oct., and encamps on 
King's Mountain with 1500 men; the Americans suddenly 
attack him, 7, and after an obstinate defence, he is killed, 300 
of his men are killed or wounded, and the remainder are 
taken prisoners, together with 1500 stand of arms, at an Ameri- 
can loss of 20. Gen. Sumter, having retaken the field with a 
body of volunteers, defeats the British under Major Wemys at 
Broad liiver, 12 Nov., and on being attacked by the notorious 
Tarleton, at Blackstocks, 20, compels him to retreat after a 
heavy loss of cavalry men. Throughout the winter, Gen.Marion, 
with his irregular brigade, leads and directs a great many har- 
assing expeditions against the British from his encampment on 
the Pedee. 

Gen. Greene is appointed to the command of the armies in 
the south, superseding Gen. Gates, 30 Oct. 

Great Britain declares war against Holland, 20 Dec, on dis^ 



Bimrry of the United States. 98 

1180. covering that a commercial treaty is being negotiated between 
that country and the U. S. 

Hemy Laurens, ex-President of Congress and newly-ap- 
pointed Minister from the U. S. to Holland, is seized, while on 
his way to his post, by an English frigate, taken to London, 
and incarcerated in the Tower. 
1781. All the Pennsylvania troops, 1300, break camp at Morristown, 
in a mutiny, 1 Jan., and start for Philadelphia to demand of 
Congress their arrearages of pay; at Princeton they are met by 
agents of Gen. Clinton, who seek to entice them either to enter 
the British service or to permanently abandon the Americans; 
the troops seize the agents and deliver them to their com- 
mander, Gen. Wayne, as spies; Congress appoints a commis- 
sion which accedes to the demands of the troops, and a large 
part of the Pennsylvania line is disbanded. 

Benedict Arnold, as a British Brigadier, leads an expedition 
of 1600 British and Tories into Virginia; he destroys a lni>< 
amount of public and private stores in Richmond, 5 Jan., and 
makes his headquarters at Portsmouth, after fortifying it, 20. 
Washington sends Lafayette, with 1200 men, to capture him, 
and tho French fleet sails from Rhode Island to assist, 8 March; 
Clinton, learning of the movement, hastens Admiral Arbuth- 
not from New York: he attacks the French fleet, 16, forcing it 
to return to Rhode Island; Gen, Philips joins Arnold with 2000 
men, 26, and takes chief command. 

Just as Cornwallis is preparing for a second march in North 
Carolina, Gen. Greene sends Gen. Morgan to the west of South 
Carolina, when Cornwallis directs Tarleton to disperse the 
command; Morgan at first retreats before the superior force of 
Tarleton, but at the Cowpens, 17 Jan., the Americans rally, 
and in a general charge utterly rout the British, killing and 
wounding 300, taking 500 prisoners, and securing 100 cavalry 
horses and a large baggage train, at a loss of 72 killed and 
wounded; Congress votes Morgan a gold medal for his victory. 

A portion of the New Jersey troops break camp at Pompton, 
in mutiny, 18 Jan.; Washington sends 500 men under Gen. 
Robert Howe to quell the mutiny; on his arrival he hangs two 
of the leaders, 27, upon which the others submit. 

Robert Morris is placed in charge of the public Treasury by 
Congress, and, through his rare executive ability in collecting 
the newly imposed taxes, andthis patriotism in giving Congress 
the use of his private fortune and his personal credit, he 
enables the armies to undertake more cheerful and vigorous 
campaigns. ^ 

After Tarieton's defeat, Cornwallis destroys his heavy bag- 

fage, and begins a forced march towards the Catawba, whither 
lorgan is also speeding; Morgan reaches the river first, closely 
pursued by Cornwallis, and crosses in safety; Cornwallis, two 
hours later, halts on the bank, designing to cross in the morn- 
ing, but a heavy rain comes up during the night, rendering the 
river impassable for two days; this gives the Americans an 
advantage; Greene joins Morgan, 81 Jan., and continues the 
retreat; the Americans reach the Yadkin first and cross; the 
British, close upon their heels, halt as alike Catawba; a awUar 



#4 History of the tfniteft States. 






1781. storm breaks, and while Greene is pursuing his retreat towards 
Virginia, Cornwallis is retarded by having to seek another 
crossing; Greene is joined at Guilford Court House by the 
remainder of his army, 7 Feb., and reaches his third river (the 
Dan) just ahead of the British, who are once more checked by 
the rising of the waters, 14; here Cornwallis abandons th« 
phenomenal pursuit, and returning to the south, fixes his camp 
at Hillsborough. 

George Taylor, of Penn., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 23 Feb. 

The State of New York makes a concession to the Congress 
of all its country north of the Ohio, 1 March. 

By 1 March, Greene has secured an army of nearly 5000 
men, and feeling strong enough to cope with Cornwallis, he 
recrosses the Dan into Carolina and prepares for an engage- 
ment at Guilford Court House; the British boldly attack, 15 
March, and after a desparate battle, the Americans fall back, 
leaving the field to the enemy, losing in killed and wounded 
400, against a British loss of 500, including a number of prom- 
inent officers; Cornwallis retires to Wilmington, and subse- 
quently begins (25 April) a march upon Virginia. Greene, 
resolving to re-enter South Carolina, encamps on Hobkirk'a 
Hill, near the British post at Camden; here Lord Rawdorj 
attacks him, 25 April; after a preliminary success, a Maryland 
regiment throws the American line into confusion, and a gen- 
eral rout ensues. 

Gen. Marion's brigade and Col. Henry Lee's cavalry begin 
to stem the tide of disaster; through their skilfull manoeuver- 
ing the Americans take Fort Watson, on the Santee, 16 April, 
Orangeburg, 11 May, Fort Motte, 12, the post at Nelson's Ferry, 
14, and Fort Granby, 16. Lee captures Fort Galphin, a few 
miles below Augusta, 21, and demands the surrender of that 
post; on being refused he lays siege, 23, and the British capi- 
tulate, 5 June. Lee and Pickens then join Greene inthe si«ge 
of Fort Ninety Six, but on the approach of Rawdon, 19, the 
Americans retreat. 

Just before Lord Rawdon's return to England, he reluctantly 
consents to the execution of Col. Isaac Hayne, 1 July, a firm 
and popular patriot who has been convicted on a charge of 
breaking his parole, after the occupation of Charleston. 

Gen. Clinton, under the belief that Washington is about at- 
tacking New York, and hoping to deprive him of Lafayette's 
army, now in Virginia, orders Cornwallis to conquer that sec- 
tion; the latter crosses from N. Carolina, overruns the James 
River country, takes Richmond and Williamsburg, sustains an 
attack by Lafayette and a charge by Wayne, near Portsmouth, 
takes the latter place for an encampment, but abandons it, and 
concentrates his army, 1-22 Aug., at Yorktown, which, with 
Gloucester Point, on the opposite side of the York River, he 
fortifies. Very opportunely for Washington, a second fleet, 
under the Count de Grasse, arrives from France, and is sent to 
the CI iesapeake,where it blockades the James and York Rivers, 
88-30 Aug. 



History oj the United States. 95 

1981. With a view to distracting- Washington's attention, Clinton 
sends Arnold on an expedition into Connecticut; the traitor 
lands, 6 Sep., and marches against Fort Trumbull, below New 
London, which surrenders at his demand; the same day, a de- 
tachment carries Fort Griswold, on the east side of the Thames, 
• by assault, and at the surrender, Col. Ledyard, the Commander, 
is run through the body with his own sword by the British com- 
mandant; neariy all the garrison are killed or wounded after 
the surrender; Arnold then burns New London and withdraws 
to New York. 

The battle of Eutaw Springs, 8 Sep., between Greene and 
Col. Stewart, Kawdon's successor, in which, after a bitter fight 
of four hours, Greene withdraws from the field, thenreoccupies 
it, and leads a fruitless pursuit of the enemy, closes the field 
actions of the war in the Carolina district. Congress votes 
Greene a special gold medal for his services. 

Having successfully deceived Clinton as to his real purposes, 
Washington suddenly withdraws the combined French and 
American army from the neighborhood of New York, and by 
an extraordinary march appears before Yorktown, 30 Sep. He 
prepares for a vigorous assault, and on 9 Oct., his batteries open 
fire on the town; several redoubts are taken, 14; nearly 100 
pieces of heavy ordinance are brought to bear on the works, 16; 
Cornwallis attempts to escape by cutting his way through a 
French detachment at Gloucester Point, but is prevented; he 
surrenders the posts of Yorktown and Gloucester, with over 
7000 British soldiers, toWashington , and all the shipping in the 
harbor to Count de Grasse, 19. Sir Henry Clinton reaches the 
mouth of the Chesapeake with 7000 men five days after the 
surrender, and immediately returns to New York. 

Congress appoints 13 Dec. as a day of public thanksgiving 
and prayer for the great success of the American armies. 

The Bank of North America, at Philadelphia, is incoi-porated 
by Act of Congress, 31 Dec. 
1782. During the winter, many attempts are made in the British Par- 
liament to terminate the war, but the King and ministry oppose 
any relaxation of subjugating efforts. The Commons, 4 March, 
resolve that all who advise the King to continue the war shall 
be regarded as public enemies; the administration of Lord North 
comes to an end, 20, and a strong peace party succeeds. Sir Guy 
Carleton is appointed to succeed Sir Henry Clinton in command 
of the forces*in America, and lands in New York early in May 
with instructions to negotiate for an early treaty of peace; in the 
main, hostilities cease; de Grasse sets sail for the West Indies; 
Rochambeau establishes his army in Virginia, awaiting events; 
Washington sends reinforcements, under Gen. St. Clair, to 
Greene, and returns with the bulk of his army to the Highlands. 
The summer passes in correspondence and negotiations, except 
in the south, where the British evacuate Savannah, 11 July. 
Preliminary articles of peace are signed at Paris, 30 Nov. , by 
Richard Oswald, on the part of Great Britain, and Messrs. John 
Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens on 
the part of the IT. S. 

Holland recognizes the independence of the U. §> v 19 Apil. 



96 History of the United States. 

1783. The Associate Reformed Church is founded at Pequa, Penn., 
13 June, by a union of the Associate and the Reformed Pres- 
byterian Churches. The synod is formally constituted in Phila- 
delphia, 30 Oct. 

The British evacuate Charleston, 14 Dec. , and the Americans, 
under Gen. Greene, make a triumphal entry, 15. 

Washington College, at Lexington, Va., is founded. 

The first Jewish settlement in Philadelphia is made. 
1783. An insurrection is threatened in the Patriot army, owing to thO| 
inability of Congress to pay either the officers or men for their 
services. Major John Armstrong prepares a paper and circu- 
lates it throughout the army, 1 March, calling upon the troops 
to unite in a demonstration for their money which shall not only 
arouse the fears of Congress, but of the people as well, against 
the consequences of further delay. Washington promptly 
counteracts the strong influence of the manifesto by convening 
his officers, 15, and obtaining from them a declaration of th*eir 
unshaken confidence in the justice of Congress and their coun- 
try. 

A number of the clergy of the Church of England meet in 
convention, 25 March, and elect Rev. Dr. Samuel Seabury, of 
New York, to be their Bishop; he makes application to the 
Archbishop of York, England, to be consecrated, but that pre- 
late declines to consecrate a citizen of the U. S. without a 
special Act of Parliament. 

Congress proclaims a cessation of hostilities, 11 April, and 
ratifies the preliminary treaty with Great Britain, 15; the Con- 
gressional Proclamation is read to the army, 19. 

The army officers stationed at Newburg, N. Y., meet upon 
the suggestion of Baron Steuben, 19 June, and organize them- 
selves into an association, under the name of the Society of the 
Cincinnati. They propose to commemorate their services in 
the field by frequent reunions, to aid such members as may 
become reduced in circumstances, and to perpetuate the associa- 
tion by permitting the oldest male descendant of an original 
member to enjoy all its privileges. 

The last international act in the revolution is consummated 
23 Sep., when a definitive treaty is signed by David Hartley, on 
the part of Great Britain, and Dr. Franklin, John Adams, and 
John Jay, on the part of the U. S-; the treaty fully concedes 
the independence of the American States, secures boundaries 
extending north to the great lakes and west to the Mississippi, 
restores the two Floridas to Spain, and accords the Americans 
an unlimited right of fishing on the banks of Newfoundland. 
During the war,Great Britain sent 112,584 troops for land-service 
and over 22,000 seamen to America, and the Colonists had 230,- 
000 Continental soldiers and 56,000 militia under arms. 

By a general order of Congress the army is disbanded, 3 
Nov., a small force being retained at West Point, N. Y., under 
command of Gen. Knox, until the organization of a peace 
establishment. 

The British army evacuate New York City, 25 Nov. ; Gen. 
Knox moves his troops down from West Point and halts in the 
Bowery, and as the British march to Whitehall, he follows and 



History of the United States. 97 

1788. takes possession of Fort George, the artillery on the Battery 
saluting the U. S. flag, and the citizens giving Gov. Clinton and 
the principal civil officers of the State who accompany Gen. 
Knox a tremendous reception. 

Washington summons his officers to meet him at his quarters, 
corner of Pearl and Broad Streets, NewYork, 4 Dec, and then, 
amid copious tears and prolonged sobs, he takes an affectionate 
farewell of each; the ceremony over, he proceeds direct to An- 
napolis, Md., where Congress is in session, and returns to it, 23, 
the commission it gave him over eight years ago. He renders 
an account of his expenses as Commander-in-Chief, amounting 
to about $74,480, but declines to receive any compensation for 
his services, and seeks the retirement of his farm. 

Congress agrees upon a measure to support public credit by 
obtaining from the States money, raised by duties on imported 
goods and internal taxation, for funding the whole national 
debt; but the recommendation does not receive the assent of all 
the States. 

The States of New York and Virginia, having ceded their 
western lands to the general Government, Congress this year 
requests that those States which have not already done so, will 
cede portions of then territory, as a fund to aid in payment of 
the public debt. 
1784. John Jay is appointed Secretary of Foreign Affairs, March. 

The fust step towards the formation of a collective body of 
the Episcopal Church in the U. S. is taken at a meeting of a few 
clergymen from New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, at 
New Brunswick, N. J., 13, 14 May. Their plans are matured, 5 
Oct., at an adjourned meeting, attended by 15 clergymen and 
11 laymen representing New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. They agree to recommend 
to the churches in the several States to send clerical and lay 
delegates to a convention to be held in Philadelphia, 27 Sep., 
1785. Bishop-elect Seabury, having been refused consecration 
by the Archbishop of York, England, applies to several Scotch 
Bishops who are not connected with the State, and he is con- 
secrated at Aberdeen, 14 Nov., by Bishops Kilgore, Petiie, and 
Skinner. 

The Continental Congress assembles in Trenton, N. J , 1 
Nov. ; it adopts a recommendation to the States that they shall 
authorize the General Government, for the term of 15 ye«."s, to 
prohibit the importation or exportation of goods in ves„ v ls 
belonging to or navigated by the subjects of any power will. 
whom the U. S. have not formed commercial treaties; and to 
prohibit the subjects of any foreign nation, unless authorized by 
treaty, from importing into the U. S. any goods not the pro- 
duce or manufacture of the nation whose subjects they are. 
This measure fails through lack .of consent of the States. 
Complaints are made that the western military posts are still 
occupied by the British, contrary to an express provision of the 
treaty, and that the retiring British army have carried away 
slaves belonging to citizens of the U. S. 

Rev. Thomas Coke, LL.D., a Presbyter of the Church of 
England, arrives in America, 3 Nov.j he summons all the 



98 History of the United States. 

1784. Methodist preachers to meet him in Baltimore. 25 Dec, and on 
that day the Methodist Episcopal Church is formed-, with Dr. 
Coke and Francis Ashury as superintendents; atthis time there 
are 83 itinerant preachers and 14,988 lay members in the new- 
Church. 

Connecticut cedes her claims to all lands lying 120 miles west 
of the western boundary of Pennsylvania to the General 
Government. 

The first Swedenborgian missionary to the U.S., James 
Glen, settles in Philadelphia. 

Connecticut takes preliminary steps for the abolition of slav-i 
ery within her limits. 

The Massachusetts Bank, the second in the U.S., is established 
in Boston. 

The Pennsylvania Packet or the General Advertiser is changed 
from a weekly form and becomes the first daily newspaper in 
the U. S. 
1786. The Continental Congress assembles in New York, 11 Jan.; 
endeavors are again made to obtain financial relief by forming 
commercial treaties with foreign powers; principles upon which 
it is deemed advantageous to form such treaties are drawn up 
by Thomas Jefferson and adopted bythe Congress. Messrs. 
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson are 
authorized to negotiate treaties in accordance with these princi- 
ples; John Adams is appointed Minister Plenipotentiary to 
Great Britain, Feb., to arrange our commercial relations with 
that country upon terms more favorable to the U. S., and to 
adjust several matters of dispute which have arisen between the 
countries, the chief being the alleged non-fulfillment and 
infractions of the treaty of peace. 

Early in the year, a dispute arises between the U. S. and 
Spain concerning the navigation of the Mississippi and the 
boundary line of the Floridas, Spain attempting to exclude 
Americans from that river and claiming a more northern boun- 
dary to her territory. Negotiations are begun in the summer 
between Mr. Jay, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Don Diego 
Gardoqui, the new Spanish Minister, but are suspended without 
an issue until after the new government is formed. C 

Commissioners appointed by the Legislatures of Virginia and 
Maryland meet in Alexandria, March, to form a compact 
respecting the navigation of the Potomac and Roanoke Rivers 
and Chesapeake Bay. They agree to recommend to their 
respective governments tbe appointment of new Commissioners 
to arrange for maintaining a naval force in the Chesapeake and 
to fix a tariff of duties on imports, subject to the approval of 
Congress. 

Stephen Hopkins, of Rhode Island, a signer of the Declara- 
tion of Independence, dies, 13 July. 

The body which becomes the General Convention of the 
Universalist Church is organized, Sep. 

An Episcopal Convention is held in Philadelphia, 27 Sep.; a 
committee is appointed to correspond with the Archbishops and 
Bishops of the Church of England with a view to obtaining the 



History of the United States, 96 

1985. Episcopate for the American churches; an adjournment is taken 
to 20 June, 1786. 

William Whipple, of N. H., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 28 Nov. 

Dr. Franklin, U. S. Minister to France, after an absence of 9 
years, obtains leave to return home, and Mr. Jefferson is 
appointed his successor. 

Charleston, Philadelphia, and New York simultaneously 
begin the exportation of American cotton. 

The first Shaker house of worship in the U. S. is completed 
in New Lebanon, N. Y. 

The first city directory published in the U. S. appears in 
Philadelphia. 

Massachusetts cedes all its western territory to the General 
Government. 
1786. The Legislature of Virginia adopts a resolution, 21 Jan., propos- 
ing a Convention of Commissioners from all the States to con- 
sider the condition of trade and the expediency of a uniform 
system of commercial regulations for their common interest and 
lasting peace. This convention assembles in Annapolis, 11 Sep., 
with delegates from Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New 
Jersey, and Delaware only; finding themselves powerless for 
effective work, the Commissioners adopt a report to be pre- 
sented to their respective States and to the Congress, urging 
the calling of a general convention of delegatesfrom all the 
States to meet in Philadelphia, for a more extensive revision of 
the articles of confederation, on the second Monday in May, 
1787. During the year, delegates are appointed in all the States 
except Rhode Island. 

The committee of the Episcopal Convention, appointed to 
secure the Episcopate for America, receive a reply from the 
Archbishops of the Church of England early in the spring, 
declining compliance with the request until they are advised of 
the alterations proposed to be made in the prayer-book. At the 
meeting of the convention, 20 June, the committee is instructed 
to communicate the changes deemed necessary for the Church 
in America. 

Congress, having failed to secure the consent of the States to 
several measures designed to raise money to fund the national 
debt, makes another and modified call. The part of the plans 
which applied for internal taxes having met with greater oppo- 
sition than any others, Congress now requests of the States 
authority to carry into effect those parts only which relate to 
import duties. All the States except New York promptly 
comply, that State denying to the Federal Government the 
power to collect the duties, reserving to itself not only this right, 
but the right also of paying the duties in its own bills of credit. 

The financial distress continues to spread, and in Massachu- 
setts, where it is particularly severe, the people begin to organ- 
ize for relief; disturbances are fomented in various parts of the 
State during the summer and fall; and in Dec. there is an 
uprisingof some 2000 men in the northwest, under the leader- 
ship of Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary officer. They demand 
that the collection of taxes shall be suspended at once, that the 



100 History of the United States?' 

1786. State expenses be reduced, and that the Legislature authorize 
the emission of paper-money for general circulation. The insur- 
gents prevent the holding of Courts and threaten to attack the 
State Arsenal ^ two bodies of militia are accordingly sent against 
them, under command of Gens. Lincoln and Shepard, and they 
are speedily dispersed. 

Kosciusko, Aide and Engineer to Washington during the 
Revolutionary War, returns to Poland, and is appointed Major- 
General by the Diet. 

Lord Cornwallia is sent to Gibraltar as Governor-General and 
Commander-in-Chief, and successfully terminates the war 
there. 

1787. All obstacles against the consecration of American Bishops hav- 

ing been removed, the Rev. Drs. White, of Perm., and Prevoost, 
of New York, are inducted into the Episcopacy, in the Chapel 
of Lambeth Palace, London, England, 4 Feb. 

The Congressional Committee to whom the report of the An- 
napolis Convention was referred, Messrs. Dana,Varnum, S. M. 
Mitchell, Smith, Cadwalader, Irvine, Forest, Grayson, Blount, 
Bull, Few, and N. Mitchell, report thereon, 21 Feb., strongly 
recommending the different Legislatures to appoint delegates to 
the proposed Convention in Philadelphia. Congress adopts a 
resolution declaring the expediency of holding the Convention 
for the sole and express purpose of revising the articles of con- 
federation, and transmits it to the Speakers of all the State 
Assemblies, to belaid before the legislators. 

Delegates from nearly half of the States assemble in Phila- 
delphia, 14 May; a majority of the States beingrepresented, 25, 
the Constitutional Convention is then opened by the election of 
George Washington as president, and the appointment of Wil- 
liam Jackson as secretary. A majority of the delegates resolve 
to form a national government, consisting of a supreme judi- 
cial, legislative, and executive branch, in opposition to those 
delegates who maintain that the Convention has a right only to 
amend the existing articles of confederation. Edmund Randolph, 
of Va., offers a series of resolutions containing the outlines of 
a plan of government, 29. This "Virginia Plan" proves 
objectionable to the State Rights delegates, and the fact leads 
Mr. Patterson, of N. J., to submit a scheme more in harmony 
with their views. .Both plans are referred to a committee of the 
whole, 1!) June, ami the "New Jersey Plan" is rejected the same 
day. The "Virginia Plan " is modified and reported by the 
committee of the whole, and each of the fifteen resolutions is 
considered separately. The report as amended is accepted by 
the Convention, and, with the " New Jersey Plan " and a third 
one presented by Mr. Piuckney, of S. C, is referred to a com- 
mittee of detail, consisting of Messrs. Rutledge, Randolph, Gor- 
ham, Ellsworth, and Wilson; this committee report the Consti- 
tution, Aug. It is materially altered in several places by the 
Convention in accordance with compromises of a sectional 
character or interest effected among the delegates; 39 of the 55 
delegates to the Convention sign the new constitution, 17 Sep.; 
it is immediately transmitted to Congress, which forwards it to 
the several State Conventions for ratification; it is adopted 



History of the United States. 101 

1787. by Delaware, 7 Dec. , by Pennsylvania, 12, and by New Jersey, 
18, of the present year. 

The States owning lands in the west having ceded them to 
the General Government, Congress passes an ordinance, 13 
July, establishing a form of government for the territory of the 
U.S. northwest of the Ohio, being substantially the plan drafted 
by Thomas Jefferson, who had in view the formation of at least 
17 States from the whole tract. Before passing the ordinance, 
the provision that after the year 1800 there shall be neither 
slavery nor involuntary servitude in any of the States, other 
than in the punishment of crimes, is stricken out. 

Thomas Stone, of Md., a signer of the Declaration of Inde. 
pendence, dies, 5 Oct. 

John Adams remains in England until Oct. of this year,when, 
the British Court persisting in declining to enter into a com- 
mercial treaty with the U. S., or even to appoint a minister to 
the new nation, he is, at his own request, recalled. 

The Legislature of Pennsylvania, out of gratitude for the 
Revolutionary War services of the Germans and respect for their 
industry, endows a college in Lancaster for their benefit, to be 
forever under their control. The Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, the 
great Lutheran pioneer, is chosen its first president. 

South Carolina cedes its western territory to the General 
Government. 

The manufacture of cotton is first attempted in the U. S. at 
Beverly, Mass. 

The manufacture of salt, from the Onondaga Springs, near 
Syracuse, N. Y., is begun. 

1788. The new constitution is ratified by Georgia, 2 Jan. • Connecticut, 

9: Massachusetts, 7 Feb.; Maryland, 28 April; S. Carolina, 23 
May; New Hampshire, 21 June; Virginia, 27; New York, 26 
July; and North Carolina, conditionally, 7 Aug. Rhode Island 
did not call a ratifying convention. In the conventions of Mas- 
sachusetts, New York, and Virginia, the Constitution encounters 
a serious opposition which for a time threatens its rejection. 
Upon the receipt of the ninth notice of ratification (from N. H.), 
the success of the measure is assured. The notices are referred 
to a Congressional Committee, who, 14 July, report a resolution 
designating the first Wednesday in Jan. next for choosing 
Presidential electors, the first Wednesday in Feb. for the elec- 
tors to meet and vote, and the first Wednesday (4) in March 
as the time, and New York as the place, for beginning national 
operations under the new Constitution. Congress adopts the 
report, 13 Sept. 

Gen. Gage, of the Revolutionary Army, dies, 2 April, aged 67. 

John Penn, of N. C, a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, dies, Sep. 

It is estimated that since the establisnment by Congress of a 
government over the Northwest Territory, at least 20,000 men, 
women, and children have become settlers along the banks of 
the Ohio River. 
1780. Thomas Nelson, of Va., a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, dies. 4 Jan. 



102 Historifcf the "United States. 

1789. B Electors are chosen by 10 States to cast votes for President 
and Vice-President (Jan.). 

The first Electoral College, consisting of 69 electors from 10 
States, meets (Feb.), and casts votes for President and Vice- 
President. 

The first national Congress of the U. S. assembles in New 
York, 4 March; the House reports a quorum present, 1 April, 
and the Senate, 6; on the latter day, the temporary president 
of the Senate reports that he has counted the votes of the Presi- 
dential electors in the presence of both Houses, and finds that 
George Washington, of Va., has been unanimously elected 
President of the U. S., and that John Adams, of Mass., having 
received the next highest number of votes (34 out of 09), is 
elected Vice-President. 

The remaining votes for Vice-President are: John Jay, 9; 
R. H. Harrison, 6; John Rutledge, G; John Hancock, 4; Geo. 
Clinton, 3; Samuel Huntingdon, 2; John Milton, 2; James 
Armstrong, 1; Benjamin Lincoln, 1; and Edward Telfair, 1. 
Adams takes his seat as Vice-President in the chair of the 
Senate (21 April). 

Washington receives the official notice of his election, at Mt. 
Vernon, ll April, and reaching New York, 23, is welcomed by 
the Governor and conducted with military honors to quarters 
prepared for him. The oath of office is administered to him by 
Chancellor Livingston on the street balcony of the City Hall 
("Federal Hall," as it was afterwards called), 30, and the 
inaugural address is delivered immediately after in the Senate 
Chamber before both Houses of Congress ; the services are 
concluded by the President and the entire Congress attending 
special services in St. Paul's Church. 

On the reassembling of Congress, the Senate devotes itself 
to the organization of a national judiciary, and the House to a 
system of revenue. Oliver Ellsworth, of Conn., drafts a plan 
for the judiciary, which, after being amended so as to provide 
for a Supreme Court, with one chief justice and several associ- 
ate justices, and circuit and district courts with jurisdiction over 
specified cases, is concurred in by botli Houses. In the House, 
Mr. Madison introduces a resolution calling for the levy of 
duties on certain goods imported into the U. S. and on the ton- 
nage of vessels. In accordance with this, Congress passes its 
first tariff law, 4 July, imposing specific duties on a long list of 
articles and ad valorem duties on others, and establishing a dis- 
criminating duty of six cents a ton on American and fifty cents 
a ton on foreign vessels, besides fixing the rate on goods 
imported in American vessels at 10 per cent, less than if 
brought in on foreign bottoms. 

Three executive departments, designed to aid the President 
in the management of the Government, are created by Con- 
gress: the Department of Foreign Affairs, orof State, 27 July; 
the Department of War, 7 Aug.; and the Department of the 
Treasury, 2 Sep.; the heads of the departments are to be known 
as Secretaries, and will l'eceivean annual salary of $3,500 each. 
In filling the offices, Thomas Jefferson is appointed Secretary 
of Foreign Affairs; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of -the 




3H N Q. Adams. Marti* Va* Bjjrbs. 

Presidents ("First Group). 



History of the United mates. 103 

H289. Treasury: Gen. Knox is continued as Secretary of War; and 
Edmund Randolph is appointed Attorney-General. 

The President completes the organization of the judiciary 
system by appointing John Jay, of N. Y., Chief Justice, and 
Messrs. John Rutledge, of S. C; James Wilson, of Peiin.; 
William Gushing, of Mass.; Robert Harrison, of Md.; and John 
Blair, of Va., Associate Justices. 

Silas Deane, U. S. Minister to France in 1776, dies in England, 
23 Aug. 

Congresses passes a bill for the temporary establishment of a 
post-office department, 22 Sep. 

The Pope appoints Rev. John Carroll, of Md., a Bishop in 
the Roman Catholic Church, with a diocese embracing the 
whole of the U. S., 6 Nov. 

North Carolina fully ratifies the new Constitution, 21 Nov. 

The first conference of the congregations of United Brethren 
in Christ is held in Baltimore. 

The first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the 
U. S. meets in Philadelphia; at this time there are 188 
ministers and 419 churches, distributed into four synods and 17 
presbyteries. 

The Protestant Episcopal Church in the U. S. of America 
holds its first convention in Philadelphia and adopts a constitu- 
tion. 
1790. At the request of Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury pre- 
sents a plan for maintaining the public credit, 15 Jan. Mr. 
Hamilton proposes that the General Government shall assume 
not only the public, foreign, and domestic debt, but also the 
debts of the States incurred during the war; the entire cost of 
the war is estimated at $130,000,000, exclusive of losses by 
individuals and the States, computed at $40,000,000 more. 
Treasury payments have been made to the amount of nearly 
$93,000,000; the foreign debt amounts to $11,710,378, and the 
domestic debt, mainly due to the officers and soldiers of the 
war, to $42,414,085. Congress adopts Mr. Hamilton's plan, 9 
March, and authorizes the President to borrow $12,000,000 to 
pay off the foreign debt; it also sanctions an additional loan of 
$21,500,000, payable in certificates of the State debts. A board 
of commissioners is appointed to settle all claims against the 
General Government. 

Congress passes an Act to provide for taking a census of the 
inhabitants of the U.S., 1 March; the returns show the popula- 
tion to be 3,929,326. 

The territory southwest of the Ohio, formerly belonging to 
N. Carolina, and subsequently known as Tennessee, is provided 
with a Territorial Government, 26 March. 

The first patent-right law is passed, 15 April, and the first 
copyright law, 31 May. 

Benjamin Franklin dies at Philadelphia, 17 April, aged 84. 

Rhode Island ratifies the new Constitution, 29 May. 

Congress decides, 16 July, to fix the seat of Goverament at 
Philadelphia for 10 years, and afterwards permanently at some 
point on the Potomac River- 



104 History of the United States. 

1790. The Indians on the northwest frontier having begun commit, 
ting depredations upon white settlers, Congress authorizes the 
raising of 1500 men, 300 regulars and the remainder Pennsyl- 
vania and Kentucky militia. The command is given to Gen. 
Harmar, who is instructed to penetrate to the Indian settle- 
ments on the Scioto and Wabash Rivers, and destroy them. 
Many of the towns are burned and a large quantity of corn is 
destroyed, but in two battles in Indiana, 17, 22 Oct., the army 
suffers a serious defeat. On Gen. Harmar's defeat, Gen. Arthur 
St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, is appointed to 
succeed him, and a new campaign is projected. 

Sir Guy Carleton is created Baron Dorchester and appointed 
Governor of all the British forces in North America, except in 
Newfoundland. 

Maryland and Virginia cede to the U. S. a total of 10 square 
miles on each side of the Potomac for the seat of the national 
Government. 

The national revenue for the year is reported at $4,771,000; 
the imports are $23,000,000; and the exports, $20,205,156. 

1791. After a lengthy and most excited debate, Congress passes a bill, 

9 Feb., to charter a national bank, to be located in Philadelphia, 
and to have a capital of $10,000,000, of which $2,000,000 is to 
be subscribed for the benefit of the U. S. Government, and the 
remainder by citizens. The duration of the charter is limited to 
4 March, 1811, and the faith of the U. S. is pledged that no 
other bank shall be established under its authority during this 
period. The books of subscription are opened in July, and the 
popular demand is much larger than the legal limit. 

Early in the spring, Gen. Scott leads a body of Kentucky 
volunteers against the hostile Indians on the Wabash. A second 
expedition, under Gen. Wilkinson, is sent out, July; and Gen. 
St. Clair takes the field with 2000 men, Sep. While encamped 
80 miles north of Fort Washington, St. Clair is surprised by the 
Indians, 4 Nov., and defeated with a loss of 900 men in killed 
and wounded. Gen. St. Clair resigns the command of the army, 
and Gen. Wayne is appointed his successor. 

Vermont, formed from territory formerly belonging to New 
York, and with an area of 10,212 square miles, having adopted 
the Constitution, is admitted into the Union as a State, 4 March. 

Benjamin Harrison, of Va., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, April. 

Under Washington's direction the political capital of the U. 
S. is planned and laid out by Andrew Ellicott; the President 
desires it to be called the Federal City, but it is named after 
him, 9 Sep. 

The 2d Congress assembles, 24 Oct.; an apportionment of 
representatives, according to the census of last year, is made; 
both Houses pass a bill making the apportionment conformable 
to a ratio of 30,000. The President vetoes this as unconstitu- 
tional by reason of the contemplated distribution of fractional 
representatives; a bill, fixing the ratio at 33,000, and apportion- 
ing the representatives according to the President's views, is 
then adopted; this ratio gives the House a membership of 105. 
In his message, the President suggests a modification of ttie Act 



History of the Lnited States. 105 

1*701. laying duties on spirits distilled in the U. S., as the law has pro- 
voked strong popular opposition and led to numerous assaults 
upon revenue officers while attempting to collect the duties; a 
slight modification is accordingly made, but not sufficient to 
allay the discontent. 

The first Sunday School Society in the U. S. is organized in 
Philadelphia. 

Samuel Salter, a young English cotton-spinner, with Moses 
Brown, inaugurates cotton-spinning in the U. S. at Pawtucket, 
R. I., starting three cards, drawing and roving, and 72 spindles, 
which are worked by an old fulling-mill water-wheel in a 
clothiers' establishment, the maclunery being made by Slater 
himself. 

The Legislature of Pennsylvania passes an Act appropriating 
6,000 acres of land to the Free School of the Lutheran Church, 
in Philadelphia, as a further testimonial to German tlnift. 

The national expenses for the year are $7,207,539; the debt 
is $75,463,476; the imports are $29,200,000; and the exports, 
$19,012,041. 
i792. Congress passes laws for the encouragement of fishing, by 
granting bounties to the owners of fishing-vessels and to the 
fisherman; for providing more effectually for the public defense, 
by establishing a unif orm militia system ; for authorizing the 
President, in case of invasion or insurrection, to call out the 
militia; for establishing a mint and regulating the national 
coinage; for reorganizing the post-office; for regulating the 
election of President and Vice-President; and for declaring 
what officer shall act as President hi case of vacancy in the 
offices of President and Vice-President; and adjourns, 8 May. 

Captain Gray discovers and enters the Columbia River, 11 
May. 

Kentucky, formed from territory formerly belonging to Vir- 
ginia, and with an area of 37,600 square miles, is admitted into 
the Union as a State, 1 June. 

Lord North, the Minister of George III., under whose admin- 
istration England lost her American colonies, dies, July, 
aged 60. 

Gen. Burgoyne dies in a fit, in London, 4 Aug., aged 60; his 
remains are interred in Westminster Abbey. 

The Reformed Church in the TJ. S. severs its connection with 
the parent body in Europe. 

Washington, though anxious to retire to private life, is per- 
suaded to accept a renomination as Presidential candidate. In 
the elections, 15 States, with 132 electors, vote: Washington 
receives the total vote, and is declared unanimously elected; of 
the candidates for Vice-President, John Adams, Mass., receives 
77 votes; George Clinton, N. Y., 50; Thomas Jefferson, Va., 
4; and Aaron Burr, N. Y., 1; Mr. Adams being re-elected. 

A strong opposition to the President's administration is 
developed throughout the year, and the differences between the 
Federalist Party, headed by Alexander Hamilton, which embra- 
ces those who favor the concentration of power in the General 
Government, and the Republican Party, headed by Thomas 
Jefferson, which advocates the diffusion oi power among the 



106 History of the United States. 

1792. people, are eagerly assumed by the public. The antagonism of 
his chief secretaries causes Washington great concern. 

The national expenses for the year are $9,141,569; the debt 
is $77,227,934; the imports are $31,500,000; and the exports, ' 
$20,753,098. 

1793. Congress fixes the salary of the President of the U. S. at $25,- 

000 per annum, 8 Feb. 

The first fugitive-slave law, providing for the return of fugi- 
tives from justice and persons escaping from the service of their 
masters, by requisition of the Governor of the State from whence 
they escaped on the Governor of the State in which they may 
be found, and inflicting a penalty of a fine and imprisonment 
for harboring, concealing, or aiding in their escape, is passed by 
Congress, 12 Feb. 

The U. S. Supreme Court decides that a State may be sued 
by a citizen of another State, Feb.; this decision leads to the 
adoption of the 11th amendment to the Constitution. 

Edmund C. Genet, Minister from the newly -established 
Republic of France, reaches the U. S., 8 April; he immediately 
begins to fit out privateers to prey upon the commerce of Eng- 
land, Spain, and Holland, against whom France has declared 
war, and demands the immediate payment of the remainder of 
the French debt of the U. S., although not yet due. The President 
issues a proclamation of warning and neutrality, 9 May; Genet 
insists on the right to arm vessels in the ports of the U. S. as 
well as to try and sell prizes there. He encourages the forma- 
tion of democratic societies on the plan of the Jacobin Clubs of 
Paris, and sets on foot two military expeditions against the 
Spanish dominions, one from S. Carolina and Georgia for the 
invasion of the Floridas, the other from Kentucky against New 
Orleans and Louisiana. The President calls a cabinet meeting, 
11 July, when, theconduct of Genet having become intolerable, 
it is unanimously decided to demand of Fiance his recall. 

Roger Sherman, of Conn., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 23 July. 

The President lays the corner-stone of the Capitol building 
i. + Washington, with Masonic ceremonies, 18 Sep. 

John Hancoclc, President of the Continental Congress in 
1776, and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, dies, 
8 Oct., aged 56. 

The 3d Congress convenes, 2 Dec; in the House, Frederick 
A. Muhlenburg, of Penn., is elected Speaker over Theodore 
Sedgwick, of Mass., indicating an opposition majority. Mr. 
Jefferson makes an elaborate "report to the House, 16, on the 
commercial condition of the U. S.; he says that, of the exports, 
nearly one-half are carried to Great Britain and her dominions, 
and that about four-fifths of the imports come from the same 
countries. The American shipping is 277,519 tons, of which 
not quite one-sixth is employed in the trade with the above 
countries; in all the nations of Europe most of our products 
bear heavy duties, and some articles are wholly prohibited. 
France has recently relaxed some of her restraints, while Spain 
has made free ports of New Orleans, Pensacola, and St. Augus- 
tine, and given us free access to her West India Islands. 




Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. 




" Don't Give up the Ship." 



History of the United States. 107 

1*793. Thomas Jefferson resigns the Secretaryship of Foreign 
Affairs, 31 Dec.; Edmund Randolph is appointed his successor; 
and the office of Attorney-General, vacated by the appoint- 
ment, is filled by William Bradford, of Penn. 
Eli Whitney, of Conn., invents the cotton gin. 
Count D'Estaing, Admiral of the French fleet during the 
latter part of the Revolutionary War is guillotined in Paris, 
for alleged treason, aged 65. 

The national expenses for the year are $7,529,575; the debt 
is $80,352,634; the imports are $31,000,000; and the exports, 
$26,109,572. 

L794. The popular indignation against Great Britain is strongly 
reflected in the national legislation. Mr. Madison, 4 Jan., intro- 
duces resolutions in the House, declaring it expedient to increase 
the duties on the tonnage of vessels of nations which have no 
commercial treaties with the U. S., and on their manufactures 
of leather, metals, wool, cotton, hemp, flax, and silk, and to 
reduce the tonnage duties on vessels of nations having such 
treaties; and to increase the duty on importations from the 
West Indies in foreign vessels from ports from which American 
are excluded. A notable debate is had on the resolutions, but 
the House comes to no decision. A report, made in response to 
a resolution declaring that a naval force adequate to the pro- 
tection of the commerce of the U. S. against the Algerine cor- 
sairs ought to be provided, is taken up, 5 Feb., and a bill pro- 
viding for the construction of 6 frigates, 4 of 44 guns and 2 of 
86 each, is passed by both Houses and signed by the President. 
Mr. Sedgwick proposes, 12 March, to raise a military force of 
15,000 men and to authorize the President to lay an embargo 
on foreign vessels for 40 days; his resolutions are lost, but the 
subject is again brought up, 26, when a substitute is adopted 
laying an embargo for 30 days on all vessels in the ports of the 
U. S., bound to any foreign place. A bill is also passed for 
fortifying certain ports and harbors. Mr. Smith declares that 
provision ought to be made for the indemnification of all citiz- 
ens of the U. S., whose vessels or cargoes have been seized and 
confiscated by any of the belligerent powers, upon which, Mr. 
Dayton moves a resolution for the sequestration of all debts 
due from American citizens to British subjects, and to compel 
their payment into the treasury as a fund for the proposed 
indemnification. Mr. Clark introduces a more stringent resolu- 
tion, 7 April, to prohibit all commercial intercourse with Great 
Britain, so far as respects the products of Great Britain and 
Ireland, until her government shall make compensation for 
injuries sustained by citizens of the U. S. from British armed 
vessels? and until the western posts are vacated. The House 
strikes out the western-posts clause and passes the resolution, 
but the Senate defeats it bv the casting vote of the Vice- 
President. 

While Congress is thus fanning the war flame, the President 
determines on an effort at negotiation, and, 16 April, nominates 
Chief Justice Jay as Envoy Extraordinary of the U. S. to Great 
Britain. He is instructed to labor for restitution for spoliations 
of American commerce, the fulfillment of the treaty of peace, 



188 History of the Wftitect States, 

1794. and, if successful in these, tor a treaty of commerce. Mr. Jay 
embarks on his mission, 13 May. 

The President having insisted upon the recall of the French 
Minister, Genet, his place is supplied by M. Fauchet, who is 
instructed to assure the American Government that France dis- 
approves of the conduct of his predecessor. 

Shortly after the adjournment of Congress, 9 June, the dis- 
content with the law levying duties on distilled spirits leads to, 
an open insurrection in western Pennsylvania, which gradually 
spreads into Virginia. The President issues proclamations 1 
against the insurgents, 7 Aug. and 25 Sep.; these, having no 
effect, are followed by an order calling out the militia of Yir- 

E'nia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Gen. Henry 
ee, Governor of Virginia, is placed in command, and proceei 
ing to the insurgents' district, Oct., soon cuiells the disturbances] 

During the winter, Gen. Wayne builds Fort Recovery, near 
the scene of St. Clair's defeat by the Indians; he advances into 
the Indian country during the summer, builds Fort Defiance, 
and, moving down the Mauuiee River with 3000 men, strikes 
the hostiles near the rapids, 20 Aug., and completely routs 
them, and then lays then - country waste. 

John Witherspoon, of N. J., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 15 Nov. 

Baron Steuben, of the Revolutionary Army, dies at Steuben- 
ville, N. Y., 28 Nov., aged 61. 

The national expenses of the year are $9,302,124; the debt 
is $78,427,404; the imports are $34,600,000; and the exports, 
$33,026,233. 

1795. Secretary Hamilton reports a plan, 15 Jan., for the redemp- 

tion of the public debt, and an Act based upon it is adopted by 
both Houses; it establishes a sinking fund, consisting of the 
surplus revenues, of bank dividends, and the proceeds of the 
?ales of public lands; the duties on domestic spirits and on 
stills are to be continued oidy until 1801, and all other duties 
are pledged to the payment of the debt. 

Gen. Sullivan, of the Revolutionary Army, dies, 23 Jan. 

Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, resigns, 31 
Jan., and is succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, of Conn. 

The President receives a copy of a treaty of amity, commerce] 
and navigation, concluded by Chief Justice Jay and Lord (Gran- 
ville, 19 Nov. on 7 March; he submits it to the Senate in special 
session, 8 June; after violent debates it is ratified by a vote of 
20 to 10 (24). The treaty secures indemnity to American mer- 
chants for the seizure of their property by British vessels, and 
pledges a surrender of the western posts by 1 June, 1796. 

By Act of Congress it is provided that after the 1st May the 
national Hag shall consist of 15 stripes, alternate red and 
white, with a union of 15 white stars in a blue field. 

Josiah Baitlett, of N. H., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies, 17 May. 

About 1100 chiefs and warriors of the western Indian tribes 
meet U. S. Commissioners at Greenville, 3 Aug., and sign a 
treaty of peace, ceding a large tract of land to the U. S. 

A treaty of peace is signed between the U. S. and Algiers, 5 



History of the United /States. 109 

195. Sep., by which all American captives are released from impris- 
onment upon the payment of an annual tribute by the U. S. to 
the Dey. 

The long-pending disputes between the U. S. and Spain are 
settled by a treaty, 27 Oct., in which Spain concedes the claim 
of the U. S. in the matter of the Florida boundary, and the 
right to a free navigation of the Mississippi. Compensation is 
to be made to American citizens for property illegally seized by 
Spanish cruisers. 

The 4th Congress meets, 7 Dec, and the Senate, by a vote of 
14 to 8, approves the foreign policy of the President. 

Sir Henry Clinton, Governor of Gibraltar, dies, 23 Dec, 
aged 57. 

The national expenses for the year are $10,405,069; the debt 
is $80,747,587; the imports are $69,756,268; and the exports, 
$47,989,472. 
796. The Republic of France presents a flag to the American Govern- 
ment, through Minister Adet and President Washington, 1 Jan. 

Samuel Huntington, of Conn., a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, dies. 5 Jan., aged 68. 

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs informs U. S. Minis- 
ter Monroe, Feb., that the French Directory consider the alli- 
ance between the U. S. and France ended by the Jay treaty; 
that the French Minister to the U. S. is to be recalled; and that 
a special envoy is to be sent to make the announcement. A few 
days later, Mr. Monroe is served with a long list of complaints 
preferred by the French Government against the U. S. The 
President recalls Mr. Monroe, 9 Sep., appointing Charles C. 
Pinckney, of S. C, in his place; their letters are presented, 9 
Dec Two days afterward, Mr. Monroe is informed by the 
French Minister of Foreign Affairs that the Directory will no 
longer recognize a Minister from the U. S. until after a 
reparation of the grievances demanded of the American 
Government. 

RufusKing, of N. Y., is appointed U.S. Minister to England, 
20 May, to succeed Thomas Pinckney, recalled at his own 
request. 

Tennessee is admitted into the Union as a State, with an area 
of 45,600 square miles, 1 June. 

President Washington, declining another election, issues his 
valedictory to the American people, 17 Sep. 

Gen. Anthony Wayne, of the Revolutionary army, dies at 
Presque Isle, 17 Sep., aged 51. 

With Washington out of the field, the Presidential campaign 
gives the two political parties the first practical opportunity for 
measuring their strength before the country. The Federalists 
nominate John Adams for the Presidency, and the Republicans, 
Thomas Jefferson. Sixteen States, with 138 electors, vote this 
year, with the following results: John Adams, 71; Thomas 
Jefferson, 68; Thomas Pinckney, 59; Aaron Burr, 30; Samuel 
Adams, 15; Oliver Ellsworth, 11; George Clinton, 7; John Jay, 
5; James Iredell, 3 ; Samuel Johnston, 2 ; George Washington, 
2; John Hemy, 2; and Charles C. Pinckney, 1. John Adams 
Is therefore elected second President of the U. S., and 



ilO History of the United States. 

1796. Thomas Jeff erson, Vice-President. A Maryland Elector casts 
both votes for Adams, the lirst piece of "practical politics.** 

The national expenses for the year are $8,367,776; the debt 
is $83,762,172; the imports are $81,436,164; and the exports, 
$67,064,097. 

1797. John Adams is inaugurated President of the United States, and 

Thomas Jefferson as Vice-President (4 March). 

Washington retires from public life. 

The hitherto friendly relations of the United States with 
France are interrupted. The treaty negotiated by Jay between 
the United States and England has given offence to France. 
The French Directory issues decrees against American con> 
merce, on the alleged ground of a violation by the United 
States of her neutral stand between England and France. 
Ships flying the American Hag are captured by French cruis- 
ers, and condemned, in alleged violation of treaty provisions 
and international law. Gerry, Marshall, and Pinckney are sent 
to France as Special Envoys to remonstrate and negotiate a new 
treaty. 

An epidemic of yellow fever appears for the second time in 
Philadelphia, and delays for some time the opening of the 
Second session of the Fifth Congress. 

The Quakers of Philadelphia present a petition to Congress 
against slavery; Congress after debate refuses to receive it. 

The national expenses for the year are $8,626,012; the debt is 
$82,064,479 ; the imports - are $75,379,406 , and the exports, 
$56,850,206. 

1798. The condition of affairs witlf France still continues unsettled. 

The despatches of the Special Envoys to the President are made 
public, in which it appears that Talleyrand had refused to treat 
with them until a bribe had first been presented to the 
Directory. The names of the three agents of Talleyrand 
who attempted to secure the bribe in Tallyrand's name 
are designated in the despatches as X. Y. Z. The publication 
of the X. Y. Z. despatches produces great excitement, and is 
quickly followed by the return of two of the Special Envoys, 
without having negotiated any settlement of difficulties. The 
country is aroused to a high pitch of resentment against Fran ceJ 
and Congress votes appropriations for increasing the Navy and 
Army. During the greater part of this year, although there 
has been no formal declaration of war between the countries, 
France and the United States maintain a small naval warfare 
against each other in the waters around the West Indies; ves- 
sels are captured and their crews taken prisoners. Hostilities 
cease toward the end of the year. 

The song "Hail Columbia" is written by Joseph Hopkinson, 
to the music of "The President's March, " composed in 1789, 
and becomes the popular song of the day. 

The political proverb, "Millions for Defence and not one 
Cent for Tribute," is originally used by Charles C. Pinckney, 
one of the Special Envoys to France. The name Democrat is 
first applied to designate a political party to those members of 
the " Republican "Party who are friendly to France; the term 
is used by the Federalists as an " epithet of reproach." 



History of the United States. Ill 

98. The Naturalization Laws are amended so as to require a resi- 
dence in the country of fourteen years, instead of five as for- 
merly required. 

An Act is passed by Congress suspending all commercial 
relations with France. 

The sloop of war Delaware, under the command of Decatur, 
captures a French privateer. 

The press exerts a powerful influence in shaping public 
opinion. The greater number of newspapers are edited by 
foreigners. Philadelphia has 8 daily papers, New York 5 or 6, 
and Boston, though it has no dailies, publishes 5 or 6 semi- 
weeklies. The tone of the press is violent and abusive of pub- 
lic men; but the best papers have contrib utors among the dis- 
tinguished men of the day, such as Hai ailton and Madison. 
The Minerva, a New York City daily, es;ablished in 1794, at 
about this time changes its name to the Commercial Advertiser. 
It is edited by Noah Webster, who subsequently became the 
author of "Webster's Dictionary." 

The Alien and Sedition Acts are passed by Congress. They 
provide generally by fine and imprisonment against conspiracy 
against the Government, against scandalous writings against 
the Government and the country. They had their origin in 
the hostile feeling of the country against France, and were 
particularly aimed at foreigners who edited newspapers. 

Imprisonment for debt, in so far as regards debts due to the 
United States, is abolished, under certain restrictions. 

Georgia prohibits the further importation of slaves from 
Africa or any foreign country; N. and S. Carolina had passed 
similar laws previously. 

Washington is offered the position of Lieutenant-General 
and Commander-in-Chief of the Army (July); he accepts 
most reluctantly, and only because open war with France 
seems imminent. 

The Navy consists of 3 frigates, 12 Bloops-of-war carrying 
from 28 to 24 guns, and 8 armed cutters; there are also 365 
armed merchantmen. Congress makes large appropriations 
for the construction of new war vessels, and provides for the 
increase of the. army in case of invasion. 

The Kentucky resolutions, in which the rights of a State to 
nullify "the assumption of power" of the general Govern- 
ment is maintained, are drafted by Jefferson; and the Virginia 
resolutions, maintaining the right of a State "to interpose" in 
case the general Government, in the State's opinion, exercises 
ungranted power, are drafted by Madison. 

The national expenses for the year are $8,613,507 ; the debt 
is $79,228,529 : the imports are $68,551,700 : and the exports, 
$61,527,097. 
). The Kentucky Legislature passes Resolutions of Nullification. 

The Constellation defeats the French ship L' Insurgente in the 
West Indies, and sends it to the U. S. as a prize. 
Washington dies (14 Dec.) at Mount Vernon, aged 67. 
The Legislature of New York passes an Act for the gradual 
extinction of slavery. 
Peace is made with France; Napoleon Bonaparte had over- 



112 History of the United States. 

1790. thrown the Directory and offered fan terms to the United 
States. 

Governor M'Kean, of Pennsylvania, inaugurates the "spoils « 
system" of appointment and removal of officials on partisan 
grounds. 

The Government negotiates a loan of $5,000,000 at 8 per 
cent. 

The national expenses for the year are $11,077,043; the debt 
is $78,408,669 ; the imports are $79,089,148 ; and the exports, 
$78,665,522. 
1800. The capital is moved to Washington ; only the north wing of 
the Congressional building is completed, but it is fitted up for 
both Houses ; the President's residence is completed externally. 

A Republican Congressional caucus in Philadelphia nominates 
Jefferson and Burr for President — the first nominations ever 
made. The object is to give the Presidency and Vice-Presidency 
to one party. Jefferson and Burr each receive 73 votes for 
President, Adams 65, C. C. Pinkney 64, John Jay 1. A 
Rhode Island Federal elector seeing the danger of a tie, which 
happens, to the Republicans, throws away a vote. 

As Jefferson and Burr receive the same number of votes for 
President, the election is thrown upon the House of 
Representatives, who elect Jefferson President, and Burr Vice- 
President 

The census shows the population to be 5,308,483, of whom 
896,849 are slaves. The population of New York City is 
60,489 ; Philadelphia, 40,000; Boston, 24,937. 

An epidemic of yellow fever visits Baltimore. 

Certain free colored men, inhabitants of Philadelphia, pre- 
sent a petition to Congress, setting forth that slaves are exported 
from the United States into foreign countries, and begging 
Congress to prepare the way for emancipation. Congress 
refuses to refer the petition to any Committee. 

Congress passes the first general bankrupt law, modelled 
upon the English law, and extended only to merchants and 
traders. 

The Territory of Indiana, named after ono of the old Land 
Companies, is established (7 May). 

Holt, Cooper, and Callender, three editors of newspapers, 
are tried under the Sedition Act, charged with publishing libels 
tending to defame the President, and are convicted and fined 
and imprisoned. 

The city of Washington has one good tavern and very few 
houses in any one place, most of them small huts. The War 
Office and Treasury Building are burned down. 

A Bill for a monument to Washington passes the House, but 
after being amended by the Senate, is postponed. Fifty years 
later the monument was begun by funds raised by private sub- 
scription. 

Fifty French privateers are captured by American cruisers 
during the year. 

The national expenses for the year are $11,989,739; the debt 
is $82,976,291 : the imports are $91,252/768 ; and the exports, 
§70,970,780. 



History of the United States. 113 

!01 The Judiciary of the United States is reorganized. The Judges 
of the Supreme Court arc to be live in number. The country 
is divided into 6 circuits, comprising 23 districts. The Presi- 
dent, John Adams, appoints John Marshall Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court. 

The Presidential election is thrown in the House, eight States 
voting for Jefferson, six for Burr, and two dividing. On 
the 36th ballot Jefferson reeeives eight votes and Burr four, 
with two blanks. Jefferson is declared President and Burr 
Vice-President. 

Jefferson is inaugurated President (4 March). 

The first written " Message " from the President to Congress 
on the opening of the session is read aloud by the Clerk. The 
custom of speeches and answers which had prevailed previously 
is abolished on this occasion, and has never since been revived. 

The Bey of Tripoli, being dissatisfied with the amount paid 
him by the U. S. as the price of a treaty, declares war (10 June) 
against the U. S.; and 4 men-of-war, under Commodore Dale, 
are sent to Tripoli. The Experiment, man-of-war, captures a 
Tripolitan cruiser, after a three hours' fight. The U. S. stand- 
ing-army is reduced to 3,000 men. 

The national expenses for the year are $12,273,376; the debt 
is $83,038,050 ; the imports are $111,363,511; and the exports, 
$94,115,925. 

102. Ohio is admitted into the Union as a State (29 Nov.). 

The tax on distilled spirits is repealed. 

The Judiciary Act of 1801 is repealed, and another Act is 
passed instituting the system of Courts which still remains 
substantially unchanged. 

The Naturalization Laws of 1798, which required of an 
applicant for citizenship a 14 years' residence in the country, 
are repealed, and Acts are passed making a five years' resi- 
dence necessary (as under the first Acts passed). This limit of 
time has ever since remained in force. 

The West Point Military Academy is established. 

The first manufactory of sheet-copper in the U. S. is estab- 
lished in Massachusetts. 

Strong religious antagonism between the Congregationalists 
of New England and the Episcopalians of tho South, prevails 
throughout the country. Thomas Paine's book, " The Age of 
Reason," creates many freethinkers, of whom Jefferson is 
said to be one. 

The national expenses for the year are $13,276,084; the debt 
is $80,712,632 ; the imports are $76,333,333 ; and tho exports, 
$72,483,160. 

103. The United States purchase Louisiana from France for $15,000,000 

(30 April). This territory has since been divided into the 
States of Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, 
the Territories of Dakota, Montana, and Indian Territory, 
a large part of the States of Minnesota and Colorado, and the 
Territory of Wyoming. * 

The first cotton-mill in New Hampshire is established. 

The first bank in Cincinnati is established. 

.The naval war against Tripoli continues. 



114 History of the United States. 

1803. The national expenses for the year amount to $11,258,988: 
the debt is $77,054,686: the value of imports, $64,666,666; and 
of exports, $55,800,038. 

1804. Lewis and Clarke, in command of a land expedition, explore the 

upper Missouri and the north-west section of the country about 
the Columbia River. 

New Jersey passes an Act (15 Feb.) securing freedom to all 
persons born in that State after the 4th of July, 1804. 

The Bankruptcy Act of 1800 is repealed. 

Hamilton is killed in a duel with Burr. 

Commodore Preble, in the ship Constitution, bombards Tripoli. 

An amendment to the Constitution is adopted, by which the 
electors of President and Vice-President are required to desig- 
nate then candidate for each office (25 Sep.). 

The Indians cede large tracts of land east of the Mississippi 
to the U. S. 

The Middlesex Canal, connecting Boston with the Concord 
River, the first canal opened in the U.S. for the transportation of 
passengers and merchandise, is completed. 

Connecticut and Delaware nominate C. C. Pinckney and 
Rufus King for President and Vice-President. Jefferson aiu. 
George Clinton receive 162 votes ; Pinckney and King 14. 
Jefferson is re-elected President, and Clinton, Vice-President. 

The national expenses for the year are $12,624,646; the 
debt is $86,427,120, the imports are $85,000,000: and the 
exports, $77,699,074. 

1805. Tripoli makes a treaty of peace (3 June). 

The Indians in the west and south cede to the Government 
large tracts of lands. 

The British Admiralty Court condemns some American ves- 
sels and their cargoes, upon the charge of a violation by the 
Americans of the laws of neutrality in transporting the produce 
of the French Colonies as neutral property and under the flag 
of the U. S. 

The Territory of Michigan is formed from a part of Indiana. 

The first commission-house for the sale of dry-goods is estab- 
lished at Philadelphia. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $13,727,124: 
the debt is $82,312,150: the value of imports, $120,600,000; and 
of exports, $95,566,021. 

1806. The first cargo of anthracite coal is shipped to Philadelphia, but 

no one is able to use it, on account of the open stoves in use at 
that time. * 

England renews its impressment of American seamen. 
Congress, in retaliation, adopts a resolution (15 April) prohibit- 
ing the importation from Great Britain or her colonies, or from 
any other countries, of certain articles of British manufacture. 

Great Britain announces a blockade of all European ports in 
league with France, and forbids vessels from entering them (16 
June); France, in return, declares by the Berlin Decree (21 
Nov.) a blockade of all British ports. In consequence, Ameri- 
can commerce suffers serious loss. * 

Congress votes appropriations for laying out several roads in 
the west and south. 



History of the United States. 115 

1806. Thfl national expenses for the year amount to $15,070,093; 
the deht is $75,723,270; the value of imports, $129,410,000; and 
of exports, $101,536,963. 

1807. Robert Fulton's steamboat, the Clermont, makes its first trip en 

the Hudson, from New York to Albany (Aug.). 

Aaron Burr is tried for treason. He raised an armed force in 
Kentucky and the neighboring country, and conducted it down 
the Mississippi, with the purpose of establishing a government 
of his own in the Mississippi Valley. He is arrested at Natchez, 
tried at Richmond, and acquitted on the ground that he had 
not borne arms against the U. S. 

Washington Irving begins his career as an author with a 
"serial " called " Salmagundi." 

Great Britain, by Orders in Council, prohibits American ves- 
sels from entering any port in Europe except in Sweden ; France 
replies, by the Milan Decree, ordering the capture and sale of 
all American vessels which intend to enter British ports. 

The British frigate Leopard stops the U. S. frigate Chesapeake 
at sea, and takes from her four sailors. 

The Embargo Act is passed (21 Dec), forbidding the depar- 
ture of any vessel from the U. S. for a foreign port. 

By the unanimous vote of Congress, the importation of slaves 
is forbidden from 1 Jan., 1808. 

The national expenses for the year are $11,292,292; the 
debt is $69,218,398; the imports are $138,500,000; and the 
exports, $108,343,151. 

1808. A Republican congressional caucus at Washington nominates 

James Madison for President by 83 votes out of 94. James 
Munroe and George Clinton are candidates in the caucus, and 
Clinton is nominated for Vice-President. For President Madi- 
son receives 122 votes, Pinckney 47, and Clinton 6 ; for Vice- 
President, Clinton receives 113, Rufus King 47, John Langdon 
9, Madison 3, and Munroe 3. 

Madison is elected President, and Clinton is re-elected Vice- 
President. 

The first Temperance Society in the U. S. is formed at Sara- 
toga, N. Y. 

The first settlement in Oregon is made by a fur company. 

Memorials for the repeal of the Embargo Act are presented 
to Congress, and the Act is evaded by transportation of goods 
and produce into Canada. 

A steamboat, the Phoenix, makes the first sea trip of any 
steam-vessel, from Hoboken to Philadelphia. 

The national expenses for the year are $16,764,584; the 
debt is $65,196,317; the imports are $56,990,000; and the 
exports, $22,430,960. 

1809. The Enforcing Act is passed, providing heavy penalties for 

evasions of the Embargo Act. Under it, the exporting of any 
goods upon any vessel, boat, or vehicle of any kind out of 
the U. S. is prohibited; Collectors are authorized to seize all 
such goods " aoparently on their way to foreign countries." 
The people of New England suffer great injury in business in 
consequence; they hold mass meetings in many towns, express 



116 History of the United States. 

1809. indignation at the Act, and pass resolutions declaring it uncon- 
stitutional. 

The Embargo is removed (15 March), except as to Great 
Britain and France. In June it is removed as to Great Britain, 
but is restored later in the year, owing to a failure of negotia- 
tions. 

The new Territory of Illinois is established (3 Feb.). 

By an Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, the children 
of poor people are authorized to attend school at the public] 
expense. 

Cotton duck from which sails are made is first manufactured 
in the U. S. 

Sixty-two cotton mills are in operation in the U. S. They 
manufacture bed-tickings, which sell for 55 to 90 cents a yard) 
stripes and checks, from 30 to 40 cents; ginghams, from 40 to 
50 cents; shirtings and sheetings, from 35 to 75 cents; and 
counterpanes at $ 8 each. A large number of mills for carding 
and finishing wool are in operation. Spinning and weaving 
wool is still a household occupation. The printing of calicoes 
had been attempted, but without much success. 

The national expenses of the year are $13,867,226; the debt 
is $57,023,192; the imports are $59,400,000; and the exports, 
$52,203,333. 

1810. Congress passes an Act (April) by which the Non-Intercourse 

Act will expire with the end of the session, but ships-of-war of 
France and Great Britain are excluded from its provisions. 

France seizes a large number of American vessels, charging 
them with trading in British merchandize and sailing from 
British ports under forged papers of the U. S. To the remon- 
strance of the U. S. against this conduct, France issues (May) 
the so-called Kainliouillet Decree, ordering the sale of 132 
American vessels, worth with their cargoes $8,000,000, and 
extending a like confiscation to all American vessels which 
might hereafter enter any port in possession of France. 

The President, in consequence of negotiations with France, 
issues a proclamation (Nov.) declaring the Decrees of France 
against American commerce repealed. 

There are 180 paper-mills in the U. S. 

The Pacific Fur Company founds the settlement of Astoria, 
in Oregon. 

Commerce between Great Britain remains prohibited. By the 
British Orders in Council, American ships are blockaded from 
most of the ports of the world, and the impressment of sailors 
continues. 

The population of the U. S. is 7,239,881. 

The national expenses are $13,319,986; the debt is 53,178,- 
217; the imports are $85,406,000 and the exports $66,657,970. 

1811. Congress refuses to renew the charter of the United State., Bank, 

and its effects are assigned to trustees for the purpose of disso- 
lution. * 

The President vetoes two bills passed by Congress, one to 
incorporate an Episcopal Church in the District of Columbia, 
and the othergranting a piece of land to a Baptist Church in 
Mississippi. The ground of the vetoes is that these Acts are 



History of the United States. 117 

1811. In conflict with that clause of the Constitution which forbids 
Congress to make any law respecting a religious establishment. 

The U. S. frigate President and the British sloop-of-war Little 
Belt meet off Cape Charles, and a serious battle ensues. The 
blame for the engagement rests on both sides, and is due to the 
hostile feelings o? the two countries aroused dining the last two 
years against each other. 

The Indian tribes near Indiana, under Tecumseh, combine 
and become hostile. Harrison, Governor of Indiana, defeats 
them in a battle at Tippecanoe (7 Nov.). 

The ratio of representation in the House of Representatives 
is fixed, in accordance with the new census, at one for 35,000, 
thus increasing the number of members by 40. 

The first steamboat for use in the west is built at Pittsburg; 
it adds greatly to the emigration to that section of the country. 
The first steam ferry-boat plies between New York and 
Hoboken. 

The national expenses for the year are $13,601,808; the debt 
is $48,005,587; the imports are $53,400,000; and the exports, 
$61,316,883. 

1812. Congress passes bills authorizing the increase of the Army, and 

appropriating large sums of money for preparations for war 
with England. 

Congress passes a bill for a second Embargo (4 April), to last 
for 90 days ; it prohibits the sailing^ of any vessel for any 
foreign port, except foreign vessels. This embargo is declared 
to be preparatory to a war with England. 

War is declared against Great Britain (18 June). The causes 
of complaint against Great Britain are: her impressment of 
seamen, her restrictions upon commerce, and her instigation of 
revolt against the U. S. by the Indians. The Federalists, 
especially in New England, oppose the war in an address, but 
the majority of the people of the country are in favor of war. 

Gen. Hull unsuccessfully attempts to invade Canada, and is 
compelled to surrender Detroit (15 Aug.). 

The British Orders in Council of 1807 and 1809 are revoked 
(23 June), provided the U.S. shall, after due notice, discontinue 
the Non-Importation and other hostile Acts; upon the question 
of impressment the British refuse to yield. In consequence of 
the failure to settle the impressment question, the British issue 
Letters of Marque and Reprisal against American vessels (12 
Oct.). 

The land-forces of the U. S. attack the British in northern 
New York and Canada with little success; the naval forces gain 
many victories over the British. 

Madison is renominated by a Republican Congressional Con- 
vention in Washington, and Eldridge Gerry for Vice-President 
(May). The Opposition Convention in New York (Sept.) 
nominates De Witt Clinton for President and Jared Ingersoll 
for Vice-President. The N.Y. Legislature also nominates Clin, 
ton. Madison receives 128 votes and Clinton 89 ; Gerry 181 
and Ingersoll 86. 

Madison is re-eleoted President, and Elbridge Gerry is elect*] 
Vice-President. 






118 History of the United States. 

1812. The Territory of Orleans is admitted as a State, and called 
j, Louisiana j the remaining portion of the Louisiana purchase k 

called Missouri. 

The first manufactury of pins in the U. S. is estahlished at 
New York. The first rolling-mill in Pittsburg is estahlished. 

The national expenses for the year are $22,279,121; the debt 
is $45,209,737; the imports are $77,030,000; and the exports, 
$38,527,236. 

1813. The war with Great Britain continues. British ships in 

increased numbers blockade the entire coast of the U. S.; on 
the lakes between Canada and the U. S., Commodore Perry 
gains important naval victories; in northern New York and 
Canada the land-forces of the U. S. are still generally unsuc- 
cessful. 

To meet the additional expenses of the Government incurred 
by reason of the war, a direct tax of $3,000,000 is levied on 
lands, houses, and slaves, according to their assessed value ; a 
tax is imposed on liquors, a duty of 4 per cent, on refined 
Bugar, and one per cent, on sales at auction, and duties of from 
$2 to $20 are imposed on carriages. A new loan of $7,500,000 
is authorized, which is taken up at 88 per cent. 

The Legislature of Massachusetts passes a Remonstrance Act, 
denouncing the continuence of the war (15 July). 

The Creek Indians, in the south, make war on the whites, 
and are reduced to subjection by General Jackson (afterwards 
President) and other generals, in command of the militia of 
Tennessee, Georgia, and Mississippi, Congress passes a bill pro- 
hibiting, under heavy penalties, the exporting by land or water 
of any goods, produce, specie, or live-stock, even on inland 
waters; no transportation is allowed except by the President's 
special permission. 

Stereotyping and printing from stereotype plates are first 
practiced in the U. S. 

Boston issues its first daily paper, the Daily Advertiser. 

The first ferry-boat between Brooklyn and New York begins 
running. 

The national expenses for the year are $39,190,520; the debt 
is $55,902,827; the imports are $22,005,000; and the exports, 
$27,855,927. 

1814. The British Government offers to treat for peace (6 Jan.), and 

Commissioners of peace on the part of the U. S. are appointed. 

A new loan of $25,000,000 is authorized, to meet the increased 
expenses of the war; by the end of the year less than half of 
this loan is taken up; the Government becomes bankrupt, 
specie payments arc stopped, and a financial panic ensues. 

The Creeks arc again in insurrection, and General Jackson 
again subjugates them. 

Naval warfare during this year continues, but with varying 
fortune to the Americans. The British land at Warehain, Mass., 
und burn vessels and a factory (14 June). Gen. Jacob Brown 
invades Canada, and with the assistance of Gen. Winfield 
Scott, defeats the British under Riall at Chippewa (5 July) and 
Niagara Falls (25 July). The British bombard Stonington, 
Conn. (10 Aug.). The British licet (18 Aug.) enters the Cheaa- 




Andrew Jackson. 



Rtstory of the tTnttea* /States. 

1814. peake, and Gen. Ross lands a force of 4000 men, and march* 
against Washington. At the battle of Bladensburg (24 Aug. 
the British troops eawly overcome the slight resistance offered 
capture the city (25 Aug.), burn the interior of the two wings 
of the Capitol, and destroy the library of Congress ; tht 
President's house and the offices of the Treasury, State, and 
War Departments ar« #et on fire. Ross is repulsed in an attack 
on Baltimore, and is isiain (12 Sep.). A British land-force and 
fleet from Canada are defeated, both on land and on water, at 
Lake Champlain (15 Sep.). 

New England continues to remonstrate against the war and 
the inefficient defence made by the National Government. In 
obedience to a Circular Usued by the Mass. Legislature, a Con- 
vention of 26 delegates from the New England States meets 
at Hartford (15 Dec), for the purpose of devising means for 
the defence of New England, without the assistance of the 
National Government. 

In consecpience of the abdication of Napoleon, peace k 
restored in Europe (11 April) ; and the Peace Commissioners of 
the U. S., at Ghent, Belgium, sign a treaty of peace with Great 
Britain (24 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year are $38,028,230; the debt 
is £"".1,487,846 ; the imports are $12,965,000: and the exports, 
$6,$ 17,441. 
f815. The principal battle of the war with Great Britain is fought at 
New Orleans (8 Jan.), and the British are defeated by Gen. 
Jackson. 

The Dey of Algiers declares war against the TJ. S. because 
of his dissatisfaction with the payment of certain tribute 
demanded by him (March). Commodore Decatur, by capturing 
an Algerine man-of-war at sea, brings the Dey to terms, and 
ends the war (30 June). 

Treaties of peace with the Indians in the north-west are 
negotiated. 

Strong religious influences prevail among the people. The 
Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian sects are largely increased, 
and exert an important control over public opinion. New 
England Puritanism becomes agressive, and with much zeal 
attacks the " Latitudinarians " or " Liberals." Religion affects 
«ven politics; the Liberals are generally Democrats, while the 
Congregationalists are Federalists. 

Dallas, Secretary of the Treasury, proposes a protective 
tariff. j 

The national expenses for the year are $39,582,493; the debt 
Is $99,833,660; the imports are $113,041,274; and the exports, 
^52,557,753. 
1816. A Bill establishing a protective tariff is passed, and taxes are 
reduced. 

A National Bank is established, modelled after Hamilton's, 
and to expire after 20 years. The capital is to be $35,000,000, 
Olie-fifth to be paid in cash, the remainder in 6 per cent. U. S. 
Stock. The Government is to appoint 5 of the 25 directors. 

The salary of a Member of Congress hi raised from $6 a duj? 
to $1500 a year. 



120 History of the United States, 

JF16. The Indians cede to }hc (J. S. large tracts of land In southern 
Tennessee and Alabama. 

Congress resolves to cease receiving Irredeemable paper- 
money after 17 Feb., 1817. 

Congress passes the Navigation Act (t March), which limits 
importations by foreign ships to the produce of their respective 
countries, confines the coasting-trade to American vessels, and 
requires all coasting and fishing vessels to have crews composed 
of at least three-fourths American sailors. 

A Republican congressional caucus nominates James Monroe 
for President by 65 to 54 for W. II. Crawford, and D. D. 
Tompkins for Vice-President. The opposition nominate Rufus 
Kina; and J. Y,. Howard. Monroe receives 184 votes and King 
84; Tompkins 183 and Howard 22, with 12 votes divided 
between James Ross, John Marshall, and R. G. Harper. Munroe 
is elected President, and Tompkins Vice-President. 

An Act is passed providing for the payment of the National 
Debt in annual installments of $10,000,000. 

The lighting of streets by gas is first introduced in the U. S., 
In Baltimore, Md. 

The first savings-banks in the U. S. are established at Phila- 
delphia and Boston. 

A steamboat ascends the Mississippi and Ohio to Louisville. 
Ky. 

Indiana is a rlmitfed as a State (11 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year are $48,244,495; the debt 
is $127,334,038; the imports are $147,103,000; and the exports, 
$81,020,452. 

1817. The President makes a tour through the Eastern and some of 

the Western Stares, and is received everywhere with great 
enthusiasm by the people without respect of party. This unani- 
mous exhibition of the good-will of the people shows the growth 
of the national sentiment in the country. 

The Seminole and Creek Indians are troublesome in southern 
Georgia, and Gen. Jackson again takes the held against them. 

Congress repeals all internal taxes, and raises the duty on 
many imported articles. 

Philadelphia has a population of 112,000 Inhabitants: New 
York, 115,000; Baltimore, 55,000; Boston, 40,000; Cincinnati, 
7000; and St. Louis, 3500. 

Mississippi is admitted as a State (10 Dec). 

The construction of the Erie Canal is begun, 

The first line of sailing-ships between New York and Liver- 
pool is established. 

The first institution in the U.S. for the instruction of the deaf 
and dumb is established at Hartford. Conn. 

The national expenses for the year are $10,877,040; the debt 
b«$123,491,965j the imports are $99,250,000; and t lie exports, 
$87,071 ,500. 

1818. Congress grants life pensions of $20 a month to officers, and $8 

a month to privates of the Continental Army. 

Congress passes an Act (t April) fixing the number of star 
and stripes in the national flag — 18 stripes, symbolical of tb 



History of the United States, 

1818. original number of States, and as many stars as there may be 
(States in the future. 

Illinois is admitted as a State (3 Dec). 

Gen. Jackson enters Spanish Florida to continue the fight 
against the Seminoles. He overcomes the Indians, and puts to 
death Arbuthnot and Ambrister, two British subjects, who had 
incited the Indians to war. He seizes Pensacola, a Spanish 
possession, but the Government later gives it up to Spam. 

The Indians cede additional tracts of land in Illinois and 
Indiana to the U. S. 

The western State Banks, in consequence of an over-issue 
of notes, suspend payment. 

The first steamboat on Lake Erie begins running. 

The first Methodist newspaper in the U. S. is started in 
Boston. 

The Baltimore Quaker yearly meeting petitions Congress to 
make further provision for the protection of free colored persons. 
Congress" passes a BUI for the suppression of the foreign slave- 
trade, by which the burden of proof is thrown upon those in 
possession of negroes found upon ships. 

The national expenses for the year are $35,164,875; the debt 
is $103,466,633; the imports are $121,750,000; and the exports, 
$93,281,133. 

1819. Spain agrees to cede Florida to the U. S. in extinction of all 

American claims, the U. S. paying Spain $5,000,000. 

Congress passes an Act allowing a premium of $50 to the 
inforfner in every case of illegal importation of an African into 
the U. S. An attempt is made in Congress to punish slave- 
trading with death, but it fails in the Senate. 

The first trip across the Atlantic by a steamer is made by the 
Savannah (June- July); the latter part of the voyage is made by 
sail alone. 

Emigration from Europe to the U. S. increases rapidly this 
year. 

The country suffers from a financial crisis; prices fall; manu- 
facturers begin to demand a higher tariff. 

Maine petitions to be admitted as a State. 

A Bill to authorize the Territory of Missouri to frame a State 
Constitution is proposed in Congress, and the question of pro- 
hibiting further slavery in the proposed new State is discussed, 
and amendments to secure that result are defeated. 

In consequence of the feeling aroused by the debate on the 
admission of Missouri, the American Convention for the Aboli- 
tion of Slavery revives, and meets at Philadelphia (Oct.). Public 
meetings for the same purpose are held at Trenton, N. J., New 
York, Boston, and in the other large cities in the North. 

The American Farmer, the first agricultural newspaper in 
the U. S. , is published at Baltimore (2 April). 

The Odd Fellows Society is first organized In the U, S., at 
Baltimore (26 April). 

Patent-leather is first manufactured in the U. S., at Kewesk 
New Jersey, by Seth Boyden. 

An epidemic of yellow fever prevails in the large* southern 
cities. The town of Indianapolis is first settled. 



122 History of the United States. 

1819. The Watchman and Beflector, the first Baptist newspaper in 
the U. S., is issued (May). 

Alabama is admitted as a State (14 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year are $24,004,199; the debt 
is $95,529,048; the imports are $8?, 125, 000; and the exports, 
$70,141,501. 
1830. Congress appoints a committee to inquire into the expediency of 
prohibiting slavery west of the Mississippi. 

Congress passes the bill known as " the Missouri Compro- 
mise "(2 March) j by it, both Maine and Missouri are to be 
admitted as States (Missouri as a slave-state), with a provision 
thenceforward excluding slavery north of the line of 36° 30', 
the southern boundary of Missouri. 

Maine ia admitted as a State (15 March). 

To meet; a deficiency in the National Treasury, a loan of 
$8,000,000 is authorized by Congress. 

Congress passes a Tenure of Office Act, by which the term of 
office of the inferior executive officers is limited to four years, 
at the end of which time a re-appointment is necessary. 

A treaty ia signed between the U. S. and Spain (24 Oct.), by 
which Spain cedes Florida to the U. S. 

Monroe ia re-elected President, and Tompkins Vice-President, 
with slight opposition, J. Q. Adams receiving only one vote for 
President, and R. Stockton 8 (Mass.) for Vice-President; Daniel 
Eodney 4, R. G. Harper 1, and R. Rush 1. 

The first steamboat on Lake Michigan begins running. 

The national expenses for the year are $21,763,024; the debt 
is $91,015,566; the imports are $74,450,000; and the exports, 
$69,661,669. 
1961. Several bills for the admission of Missouri as a State, with and 
without slavery, having been rejected, the House, on motion of 
Henry Clay, 20 Feb., appoints a committee to meet a committee 
on the part of the Senate to devise a plan for its admission; Mr. 
Clay, as chairman, reports a resolution (26) defining the con- 
ditions on which the Territory maybe admitted and embracing 
the Senate's compromise amendment; this resolution is adopted 
In the House the same day and in the Senate two days later, 
and under its provisions Missouri is admitted into the Union, 
10 Aug. 

James Monroe, President, and D. D. Tompkins, Vice-Presi- 
dent, are sworn into office for a second term, 4 March. 

Matthew Carey is presented with a piece of plate worth $200 
by the citizens of Wilmington, Del. (April), in approbation of 
his writings on political economy and national industry. 

Spain ratifies the treaty with the U. S. for the cession of the 
Florida country, and Gen. Jackson, the newly appointed Gov- 
ernor, takes formal possession, 1 July. 

English officers take up the remains of Major Andrei at Tap- 
pan, N.Y. (Aug.), and convey them to L^don, where th*y are 
traried in Westminster Abbey. r 

Miss Sophia Woodhouse, of Weathersrield, Coma., sends to 
the Loudon Society of Arts samples of a new material for straw- 
plaiting in its raw, bleached, and manufactured state, incfad- 
b»g a bennet in limitation of Leghorn, the substance being 



History of the United States. 123 

1821. locally known as ticklemoth gva^; the honnet \s pronounced 
superior to the best Leghorn, and the Society votes tetatep 
silver medal and 20 guineas for her discovery; a U. S. patent is 
granted her for manufacturing hats and bonnets of grass, 

25 Gen C ' Stephen F. Austin plants the first colony from the U. S. 
in Texas, in the bottoms of the Brazos de : Dios. 

Amherst (Mass.) College; Columbian College, Washington 
D. C: the Medical Department of the University of Vermont, 
Burlington; and the National Medical College, Washington, D. 

C ^quarantine station, with a number of hospital buildings, is 
established at Castleton, Staten Island, N. Y. 

Under the auspices of the American Colonization Society, a 
large tract of land is secured on the west coast of Africa and 
named Liberia, to which it is proposed to send such free negroes 
of the U. S. as are willing to emigrate. 

Amonor the patents issued this year are one to George J . Mew- 
burv N°Y., for printing with metallic and colored powder 
(bronzing); and to Minus Ward, Columbia, S. C for an im- 
provement in steam-engines, consisting of an alternating or 
rotary engine which enables the piston-rod to describe a rotary 
motion upon its extreme end when turning a wheel 

The national expenses for the year are $19,090,572; the 
debt is $89,987,427; the imports are $62,585,724; and the exports, 
•J.R4 Q74 S8^* 

1822. TheMerrimac Manufacturing Company which t<*^*££% 

of Lowell, Mass., is incorporated, 5 Feb., and starts its first 

W B G y an AcTof Congress, 30 March, Florida is erected into a 

Tprritorv* 
Gen. Stark, of the Revolutionary army, dies, 8 May. 
The U. S. sign a treaty with France (commerce and navlga- 

h °Owin°- to the large number of piratical craft that are swarming 
about the West Indies and preying upon our commerce there, 
a naval force is sent out which captures and destroys upwards oi 
twenty vessels on the coast of Cuba. 
John Colt begins the manufacture of cotton sail duck at rat- 

er Mes%rs*. David H. Mason and Matthew W. Baldwin, of Phila- 
delphia, begin the first engraving of cylinders for calico pnnt- 

in The cotton crop amounts to 210,000,000 pounds, 30,000 000 
more than last year's; the exports of the staple aggregate 144,- 

The firsTextensive and successful use of iron conduit-pipes 
in the U. S., is made in the service of the Fairmount Water- 
works, erecting in Philadelphia; they are cast in that city in 
sections of 9 feet in length and from 2 to 22 inches in diarneter. 

Tubes or pipes of india-rubber for gaseous fluids are made 
and used by Thomas Skidmore, of New York. 

Steam-power Is first introduced in the sugav manufacture or 
Louisiana. 



■124 History of the United States. 

1822. Cotton culture is first begun in Texas by Col. JaredE. Groce, 
in the bottoms of thje Brazos de Dios. 

The U. S. Government recognizes the independence of the 
Republic of Mexico and of the provinces in South America for- 
merly under the dominion of Spain. 

The Theological Department of Yale College (Cong.), and 
the Episcopal Theological School of Virginia, Fairfax County, 
are founded. 

Among the patents issued this year are one to C. M. Graham, 
N. Y. (the first) for artificial teeth; William Hall and Joseph 
Hastings, Mass., a process for making isinglass, said to be 
superior to any imported; George Murray and James Puglia, 
Phila., a process for making bank-notes that cannot he con- 
terfeited: Reuben Hyde, Mass., a machine for making pales for 
fences; A. C. Baker and M. F. Biddle, N. Y., a mode of trans- 
ferring impressions from paper to wood; Capt. John Rodgers, 
president of the U. S. Naval Board, a marine railway, which 
receives the President's indorsement in a special message to 
Congress hy which $50,000 are appropriated to put the system 
into operation at the Washington Navy- Yard; Peter Force, 
Washington, D. C, printing paper-hangings; and to Christo- 
pher Cornelius, Phila., for light-house lamps to burn lard on 
the solar principle. 

The national expenses for the year are $17,676,592; the debt 
is $93,546,676; the imports are $83,241,541; and the exports, 
$72,160,281. 

1823. A second and larger naval force, under Commodore Porter, is 

sent against the West Indian pirates, and their operations are 
effectually checked. 

The revenue laws are amended by an Act approved 1 March, 
declaring that no goods imported subject to ad valorem duties 
shall be admitted to entry unless the true invoice is produced, 
excepting goods from a wreck; by another Act, approved the 
same day, U. S. ports are opened to British vessels from colonial 
ports in America; an Act of 15 May, 1820, imposing a tonnage 
duty on French ships, is repealed, 3 March, and a discrimina- 
ting duty of $2.75 per ton on French goods imported in French 
vessels is laid, to be diminished one-fourth annually for two 
years. 

The first Railway Act in America is passed, 31 March, hy the 
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, incorporating a company 
for the construction of a railroad from Philadelphia to Colum- 
bia, Lancaster County. 

New Hampshire contains 28 cotton and 18 woolen factories; 
22 distilleries; 20 iron mills; 193 bark mills; 304 tanneries; 12 
paper mills; and 55 trip-hammers. 

Thomas Ewbank, of N. Y., obtains a patent for manufactur- 
ing and plating lead pipes with tin for stills, and one for manu- 
facturing tinned sheet-lead; this is the first application in the 
U. S. of tin as a lining or coating to metallic tubes and plates. 

Nicholas Longworth, of Cincinnati, O;, begins the manufac- 
ture of wine, with the muscatel or vevay grape, and produced 
a wlno resembling Madeira. 



History of the United States. 125 

1888. The first lease of lauds in the lead region of the Upper Mis- 
sissippi, authorized hy Act of 3 March, 1807, is made by the 
Government to Col. James Johnson, of Ky., who proceeds to 
erects smelting-works and invite immigration. 

Benthuysen, a printer, of Albany, N. Y., sets up and starts 
the first steam-power printing-press in the country. 

The Champlain Canal, connecting the Hudson River at 
Albany with Lake Champlain, the first portion of the great 
system of internal navigation between New York and the basins 
of the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, is completed. 

Trinity College, Hartford, Conn; the Kentucky Blind Asylum, 
at Danville; and the Berkshire Medical School, Pittsfield, Mass., 
are founded. 

The first Session of the 18th Congress i3 opened, 1 Dec, 
Henry Clay, re-elected a Member of the House, is chosen 
Speaker by a vote of 139 to 43 for Mr. Barbour, Speaker of the 
preceding Congress; in his Message, the President renews his 
recommendation for a speedy review of the tariff, for the pur- 
pose of affording additional protection to manufactures. 

Gen. Simon Bolivar, a leader in the South American Revolu- 
tion, invites Mexico, Peru, Chili, and Buenos Ayres to send 
delegates to a conference at Panama for the purpose of form- 
ing a confederacy for a more determined resistance to Sp<\m 
and the greater security of their own independence; the Minis- 
ters of Mexico, Colombia, and Central America have frequent 
conferences on the subject with our Secretary of State, and a 
formal invitation is given (Nov.) to the U. S. to participate in 
tbe proposed Congress. In the meantime, the British Cabinet, 
through Mr. Canning, carries on a lengthy correspondence with 
our State Department on the expediency of a demonstration 
against an apprehended design of the Holy Alliance with respect 
to this continent ; these events prompt the President, in his 
Message, 2 Dec, to assert that this Government will consider 
any attempt on the part of the allied powers to extend their 
system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our 
peace and safety. 

Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy, is succeeded by 
Samuel L. Southard, of N. J., 9 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $15,314,171; the debt 
is $90,875,877; the imports are $77,579,2G7; and the exports. 
$74,099,030. 
1824. A charter is granted by the State of Virginia to the Chesapeake 
and. Ohio Canal Company, 27 Jan., for the construction of a 
canal from tide-water above Georgetown on the Potomac to 
Pittsburg, a distance of 341 miles. 

A caucus is held in Washington, D. C.,to secure the nomina- 
tion of Mr. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury, for the Presi- 
dency, 14 Feb.; only 68 of the 258 'Republican" members 
attend; a motion is made to adjourn to 20 March, but it is 
opposed, and the meeting proceeds to ballot for a candidate; of 
the 68 votes given, Mr. Crawford receives 64; John Quincy 
Adams, 2; Andrew Jackson, 1; and Nathaniel Mason. ?.,; for 
Viee-President, Albert Gallatin receives 57 votes. 



120 History of tfie United States. 

1824. A Convention between the U. S. and Great Britain Is signed, 
13 March, for the suppression of the slave-trade; it provides that 
each Government shall send vessels to cruise in the waters of 
Africa, America, and the West Indies, with power to board 
other vessels of either nation suspected of being slavers. 

The Franklin Institute of the State of Pennsylvania is incor- 
porated, 20 March, for the promotion and encouragement of 
manufactures and the mechanic and useful arts. I 

A treaty between the U. S. and Russia is signed, 5 April, by) 
which the boundary line between the U. S. and the Russian 
possessions on the Pacific Coast is established at 45 degrees 40 
minutes north latitude. 

A Bill proposing to increase the duties on imports, after a 
discussion of over two months, made memorable by the great 
speeches of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, is passed in the 
House 16 April; amendments aro made in the Senate to which 
the House fails to agree, but the differences are settled by a con- 
ference committee, and the Senate passes the bill. 

In accordance with a decree of the Mexican Government, the 
provinces of Texas and Coahuila are united as one State, Aug. 

Gen. Lafayette lands on Staten Island, N. Y., 15 Aug., being 
received by the Vice-President of the U. S.; he is escorted up 
to the city (16) by a large naval procession, and disembarks at 
Castle Garden amid the ringing of bells, the salutes of artillery, 
and the cheers of a tremendous multitude; at the City Hall he 
is officially welcomed, and there, during his stay, he holds daily 
levees; at his departure he is escorted by a large body of troops 
to Kingsbridge, whence he starts on a tour of the U.S., to receive 
ovations of friendship and gratitude at every step. 

In the Presidential election the suffrages of the people are 
divided between four candidates for the Presidency , viz : John 
Quincy Adams, 105,821; Andrew Jackson, 152,899; W. H. 
Crawford, 47,265; and Henry Clay, 47,087, equal to 84 electoral 
votes for Adams, 98 for Jackson, 41 for Crawford, and 37 for 
Clay; John C. Calhoun receives for Vice-President 182 electoral 
votes, against 78 for all others; the electors having failed to 
elect a President, that duty will devolve upon the House of 
Representatives. 

The Legislature of New Jersey grants Acts of incorporation 
of companies, 31 Dec, authorized to construct the Delaware 
and Raritan Canal and the Morris Canal, the latter to run from 
the Delaware River at Phillipsburg, opposite Easton, Penn., to 
the Passaic River, at Newark. 

An institute is established and endowed at Troy, N. Y., by 
Hon. Stephen Van Rensselaer, for the instruction of young men 
in the application of mathematical science to civil engineering, 
and in natural science. 

A geological survey of the State of North Carolina by Prof. 
Olmsted attracts public attention to the gold-bearing region of 
the State, which he estimates embraces over 1000 acres. 

Zadoc Pratt purchases land and water-power in Greene 
County, N. Y., erects a mammoth structure for manufacturing 
hemlock-tanned leather, and founds the village of Prattsville. 



History of the United States. 

The manufacture of isinglass from the swords of the hake 
fish, for the use of cotton manufactures, is begun on Cape Cod, 
Mass. 

The first institution in this country intended for the reforma- 
tion of vicious and criminal children is incorporated under the 
name of the New York House of Refuge for Juvenile Delin- 
quents, the founders being John Griscom, Isaac Collins, James 
W. Gerard, and Hugh Maxwell. 

The Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, is founded. 

The national expenses for the year are $81,898,538; the debt 
Is $90,209,777; the imports are $89,549,007; and the exports, 
$75,980,057. 
The House of Representatives hold an election for President of 
the U. S., 9 Feb.; Mr. Adams receives the votes of 13 States, 
Gen. Jackson of 7, and Mr. Crawford of 4, whereupon Mr. 
Adams is declared elected. 

Congress votes to establish a navy-yard on the coast of 
Florida, 3 March. 

Messrs. Adams and Calhoun are sworn into office as Presi- 
dent and Vice-President, 4 March; the President makes the fol- 
lowing choice for cabinet officers : Henry CI ay, Secretary of State; 
Richard Rush, Secretary of the Treasury; James Barbour, Secre- 
tary of War; Samuel L. Southard (continued in office), Secretary 
of the Navy; and William Wirt (continued in office), Attorney- 
General. 

The Secretary of State sends to Mr. Poinsett, the first American 
Minister to Mexico, 20 March, instructions implying that the 
Government contemplates extending its jurisdiction to the banks 
of the Rio Grande. 

The American Unitarian Association is organized at Boston, 
25 May. 

Ex-Vice-President Daniel D. Tompkins diesatStaten Island, 
N. Y., 11 June. 

Gen. Lafayette lays the corner-stone of the Bunker Hill 
Monument, and Daniel Webster delivers the oration, 17 June. 

The national expenses for the year are $23,585,804; the debt 
is $83,788,432; the imports are $90,340,075; and the exports, 
$99,535,388. 

A treaty between the U. S. and the Indians of the north- 
west Territory, is signed, Aug. 

An appropriation 'of $200,000 and a grant of 24,000 acres of 
land are made by Congress to Gen. Lafayette; he sails from 
New York for home on the TJ. S. frigate 'Bramlywine, named 
after his first American battle-field, 8 Sep. 

Isaiah Lukins, of Philadelphia, receives a patent in England 
on his invention of a surgical instrument for destroying stone 
in the bladder without cutting, called lithoutripter , 15 Sep. 

Gen. Jackson is nominated for President by the Legislature 
of Tennessee, 6 Oct. •* 

The Erie Canal is formally opened, 26 Oct.. when the first 
flotilla of canal-boats leaves Buffalo; it reaches New York, 4 
Nov.; a grand naval procession of nearly all the vessels in port 
ig formed and proceeds to Sandy iiook, 'vrnere Do Witt Clinton 



128 History of the "United States. 

1835. pours a keg of water from Lake Erie into tlie ocean; the event 
is also celebrated in New York by a civic procession nearly five 
miles long, a magnificent display of fireworks, and a general 
illumination. 

Commodore MeDonough, the hero of Lake Champlain, dies, 
10 Nov. 

The first performance of Italian opera in the U. S. is given at 
New York, 2!) Nov. 

President Adams sends a confidential message to Congress, 
26 Dec., in which he announces that lie has accepted the invi- 
tation to semi Commissioners to the proposed Panama Confer- 
ence, believing that it might be advisable to settle the question 
whether the security of republican institutions does not require 
the parties to prevent any European power from establishing a 
colony within the borders of the parties; he also nominates 
Richard C. Anderson, of Ky., and John Sergeant, of Penn., as 
Commissioners, and W. B. Rochester, of N. Y., as Secretary 
of the Commissioners. 

The difficulty between the Government, the Creek Indians, 

and the State authorities of Georgia is settled by a treaty 

between the two first, by which the Indians agree to exchange 

• the land they claim in Georgia for an equal quantity beyond 

the Mississippi, and to remove thither. 

The German Reformed Theological School, at Mercersburg» 
Penn., the Gettysburg (Penn.) Theological Seminary (Lutheran), 
and the Law School of the University of Virginia, at Charlottes- 
ville, are founded. 

Ex-Presidents John Adams (Quincy, Mass., aged 00) and 
Thomas Jefferson (Montieello, Va., aged 82) die at nearly the 
same hour, 4 July. 
1826. Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gui, and one of tfio" most 
eminent mechanics ( ,f his age, dies 8 dan., aged 59. 

The Senate Committee to whom the President's Panama mes- 
sage was referred, report adversely to the proposed mission, 16 
Jan.; after a lengthy debate, the Committee's resolution of 
inexpediency is lost, 14 March, and the nominations are con- 
firmed; a bill providing for the expenses of the mission is 
passed, 22 April. The conference assembles at Panama, 22 June, 
and closes its session 15 July, with a treaty of league and friend- 
ship: the delay caused by the discussions iu Congress prevents 
the U. S. being represented ip the conference. 

It is claimed that the treaty with the Creek Indians last year 
was procured by illegal means; the conflict between the Federal 
and State Governments is reopened; and the relations between 
Gov. Troup and Gen. Gaines grow warlike; a new treaty is 
obtained, 24 .Jan., satisfactory to the Indians, by which they 
relinquish nearly all their land in Georgia; Gov. Troup main- 
tains an agitation throughout the year. 

The New England Society for the promotion of manufactures 
and the mechanic arts, organized by citizens of Boston, is 
chartered, 3 March. 

Mr. Van Rensselaer, N. Y., presents a report in Congress 
strongly favoring the encouragement by legislative measures 



History of the United States 129 

of the planting of mulberry trees and the breeding of silk 
worms, 2 May. 

The American Home Missionary Soeiety is organized in New 
York, 10 May. 

William Morgan, of Batavia, N. Y., having written for publi- 
cation a work alleged to contain an exposure of Free-Masonry, 
is arrested on a criminal process and taken to Canandaigua, 
where he is imprisoned; he is released, 12 Sep., and forcibly 
taken to the Niagara frontier, where he is last seen; the "ab- 
duction " creates intense excitement throughout the country; 
rewards are offered in vain for the discovery of Morgan alive, 
or if murdered, of the offenders ; an anti-Mason party is formed 
and has a rapid spread. 

William Charles Macready, the English tragedian, appears 
for the first time in the U. S., at New York, 2 Oct. 

The first railroad constructed in the U. S. with metallic 
tracks is opened 7 Oct.; it extends from the granite quarries at 
Quincy, Mass., to tidewater on the Nepouset River, a distance 
of 3 miles. 

A treaty for the indemnity of American citizens is signed 
between the U. S. and Great Britain, 13 Nov. 

An attempt is made in Texas to renounce Mexican authority 
and proclaim the province a Republic under the name of 
Fredonia. 

The total capital now employed in American manufactures 
is estimated at $156,500,000, of which $30,000,000 are credited 
to Pennsylvania, $28,000,000 to New York, and $26,000,000 to 
Massachusetts; this includes every species of manufactures 
except food, in which the capital is estimated at $200,000,000. 

The power-loom, for weaving wire, is invented by John S 
Gastin, of N. Y. 

Kenyon College, Gambier, O., the Newton (Mass.) Theologi- 
cal Institute (Baptist), and Western Reserve College, Hudson, 
O. , are founded. 

The national expenses for the year are $24,103,398; the debt 
is $81,054,059; the imports are $89,974,477; and the exports, 
$77,595,322. 
A body of disaffected Texans have a skirmish with Government 
troops and rout them, 4 Jan.; the Mexicans form an alliance 
with the Indians to subdue the Texan revolutionists and estab- 
lish garrisons throughout the province. 

The famous Switchback railroad at Mauch Chunk, Penn., for 
the transportation by gravity of coal from the summit mines to 
the landing on the Lehigh, is completed, 8 Jan. 

A portion of the members of some of the American Yearly 
Meetings of the Society of Friends, set up a distinct association 
under the leadership of Elias Hicks, 21 April, and are dis- 
tinguished from the Orthodox Friends by the name of Hicksites. 

In view of the depressed condition of the woolen trade and 
other industries, the Pennsylvania Society for the promotion of 
manufactures and the mechanic arts, 14 May, call a general 
industrial convention to be held in Harrisburg, 30 July; the 
convention is attended by 95 delegates from 13 States; Joseph 
Rituer, Peon., is chosen prt*id»nt; J«ss« Buel, N.Y. andFrisby 



History of the United States, 

1827 Tilghman, Md., vice-presidents, and William Halsted, Jr„ N. 
J., and Redwood Fisher, Penn., secretaries; committees are 
appointed to prepare a memorial to Congress, an adress to the 
citizens of the U. S. and papers on the condition of the manu- 
facturing industries. 

Albert Gallatin, who was sent as Minister to Great Britain 
last year, for the purpose of effecting a better understanding 
between that country and this concerning the West Indian 
trade, concludes a treaty at London, 6 Aug. 

The subject of a general revision of the tariff is brought before 
Congress, 31 Dec, and a resolution adopted authorizing the 
Committee on Manufactures to send for persons and papers. 

A general conference of the Freewill Baptist Church is organ- 
ized as an annual session. 

Washington Medical College, Baltimore, and the Medical 
School of the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, are 
founded. 

Joseph Smith, Jr., of Palmyra, N. Y., begins to assert 
claims as the founder of a new Christian sect called the 
"Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," and the 
discovei-er of the Book of Mormon, a continuation of the Old 
Testament records. 

John Mc Clintic, of Chambersburg, Penn., invents the first 
practical contrivance for mortising and tenoning. 

The first bell made from blistered bar steel melted is turned 
out in New York, and pronounced equal in sound to composi- 
tion bells. 

Artists and materials are sent from England to start the first 
lithographic establishment in the U. S., at Boston. 

The total salt product of the U. S. for the year is estimated at 
4,151,182 bushels, of which 1,104.452 are credited to New York, 
and 929,848 to Virginia. 

The American Minister is authorized to offer the Mexican 
Government $1,000,000 for the establishment of a boundary 
line between the highlands of the Neuces and the ltio Grande. 

The national expenses for the year are $22,656,764; the debt 
is $73,987,357; the imports are $79,484,008; and the exports, 
$82„324,727. 
1828. The controversy between the Federal Government and the State 
authorities of Georgia is finally settled early in Jan. by a treaty 
with the Creek Indians for the purchase of the remaining strip 
of their land in that State. 

A treaty with Mexico is signed, ia Jan., establishing a bound- 
ary line. . 

The Congressional Committee on Manufactures, to whom was 
referred the subject of a general revision of the tariff, submit 
a report, 21 Jan., with a bill altering the Acts imposing duties 
on imports; the chief articles on which heavy protective duties 
are laid are woolen and cotton fabrics; the debate on the bill 
begins in the House 3 March, and closes 22 April, the members 
from the Middle and Western Free States supporting the bill, 
and those from the Cotton States with a majority of those from 
lHew England opposing it; in the Senate a few amendments are 
made, and the bill becomes law, 15 May. 



History of the United States. 131 

De Witt Clinton, popularly considered the " Father of the 
Erie Canal," dies 11 Feb. 

The first wool sale ever held in the U. S. takes place at 
Boston, 10 June, when 1536 bales of Saxony, Spanish, and 
other foreign and American wool, amounting to 400,000 pounds, 
are sold for nearly $300,000. 

Rev. E. Burt, of Conn., receives a patent for the first Ameri- 
can power-loom for weaving check and plaid goods, 19 Aug. 

At the Exhibition of the Franklin Institute, Phila., 8-16 Oct., 
a premium is awarded to Seth Boyden, of Newark, N. J., for an 
assortment of buckles, bits, and other goods of annealed cast 
iron; this is the first time that annealed cast iron has been used 
for such purposes in the U. S. 

The gubernatorial election in New York is rendered unusually 
exciting by the appearance of a strong anti-Masonic party in 
the field; Francis Granger receives the nomination of that party 
for Governor, and John Crary that for Lieutenant-Governor; 
subsequently Mr. Granger declines, and Solomon Southwick is 
substituted; the Adams party nominates Judge Smith Thomp- 
son, of the U. S. Supreme Court, for Governor, and Mr. Gran- 
fer for Lieutenant-Governor; the Jackson party nominates 
[artin Van Buren for Governor, and Enos T. Throop for Lieu- 
tenant-Governor; in the election Mr. Van Buren receives 136,- 
794 votes, Judge Thompson, 106,444, and Mr. Southwick, 
33,345. 

For the Presidential campaign, the Adams party renominates 
the President, with Richard Rush, of Penn., for Vice-President; 
while the Democrats name Andrew Jackson for President, with 
John C. Calhoun for Vice-President; Jackson and Calhoun 
receive 650,028 popular and 178 electoral votes, and Adams and 
Rush, 512,159 popular and 83 electoral, William Smith, for V. P., 
7; Jackson and Calhoun are declared elected. 

The Western Theological Seminary (Pres.), at Alleghany, 
Penn., is founded. 

William Howard, of Baltimore, receives the first American 
patent for a locomotive engine. 

P. B. Smith, of New York, begins the manufacture of varnish 
for general purposes. 

William Woodworth, of Hudson, N. Y., takes out a patent 
for the first machine for planing, tongueing, grooving, and 
cutting boards. 

The introduction of a superior grade of cotton raised on the 
Sea Islands, off the Carolina coast, creates considerable excite- 
ment, and large sums of money are offered the grower for his 
secret. 

The national expenses for the year are $25,459,479;the debt 
is $67,475,043; the imports are $88,509,824; and the exports, 
$72,264,686. 
The Legislatures of Georgia and South Carolina send protests to 
' Congress against the Tariff Act of the preceding session, pro- 
nouncing it unconstitutional and ruinous to commerce and agri- 
oultnre. 

The cotton manufacturers of Phila. hold a meeting, 3 Feb., 



132 History of ike United States. 

1839. and decide to open one or more private houses for the gale ot 
their goods, instead of selling them off by auction. 

The House Committee to whom were referred the resolutions 
relative to the disposition of the public lands, report, 25 Feb., 
opposing a division of the lands among the States, and recom- 
mending a distribution of the net proceeds of the sales of public 
lands among the States in the ratio of their population; the 
amount of public land to which the Government still holds the 
right of soil is stated to be over 1000 millions of acres. 

Gen. Jackson is inaugurated seventh President of the U. S., 
4 March; he selects his Cabinet officers as follows: Martin Van 
Buren, N. Y., Secretary of State; Samuel D. Ingham, Penn., 
Secretary of the Treasury ; John Brunch, N. C. "Secretary of 
the Navy; John McP. Berrien, Ga., Attorney-General; and 
William T. Barry, Ky. (new cabinet office), Postmaster- 
General. In his inaugural the President pledges himself to an 
administration of reform. 

During the summer the President makes a large number of 
iemovals from office, including nearly 500 postmasters. 

The American Institute of the State of New York is incor- 
porated, 2 May, for the purpose of encouraging domestic indus- 
try in the State and the U. S., in agriculture, commerce, manu- 
factures, and the arts; it holds its first annual fan in Castle 
Garden, in Nov. 

Sam Patch, who has made successful leaps at Passaic Falls 
and Niagara, is killed, 13 Nov., while jumping the Genesee 
Falls, Rochester, N. Y. 

The first Session of the 21st Congress opens 7 Dec, both 
Houses having an administration majority; the power of the 
President to make removals from office except for cause is 
vigorously debated. 

Louis McLane is appointed Minister to England; William C„ 
Rives to Spain; and Thomas P. Moore to Colombia. 

Among the public institutions founded this year are the Mas- 
sachusetts Institution for the Instruction of the Blind; the Ohio 
State Institution for the Blind; Georgetown (Ky.) College; the 
Auburn (N. Y.) Theological Seminary (Pres.); Lane Seminary 
(Pres.), Cincinnati; and the Theological Department of the St. 
Louis (Mo.) University (R. C). 

Dr. John W. Revere, of New York, perfects a process for 
galvanizing iron. 

Hamilton Stewart begins the manufacture of damask table 
linen in Phila., in Dec. 

The first meeting of the General Assembly of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church is held at Princeton, Ky. 

Prof. Hitchcock, of Amherst, Mass., makes the first discovery 
of tin in the U. S., at Goshen, Conn. 

James Conant makes the first successful attempt in the U. S. 

to manufacture sewing-silk by machinery, at Mansfield, Mass. 

The national expenses for the year are $25,044,358; the debt 

is $58,431,413; the imports are $74,492,527; and the e-"wts, 

$72,888,071. 



History of tlie Ciiifed States. 133 

-> 

1830. A resolution introduced by Mr. Foot, in the Senate, directing 
an inquiry into the expediency of limiting the sales of public 
lands, leads to a five month's debate, during which Mr. Hayne, 
of S. C., in replying to Mr. Webster, announces the nullification 
doctrine. 

The House committee on ways and means, to whom was referred 
the part of the President's message opposing a second time the 
renewal of the charter of the U. S. Bank, submits, through Mr. 
M'Duffie, of S. C, an elaborate report opposing the President's 
views; in response to a resolution, the finance committee of the 
Senate, reporting on the expediency of establishing a uniform 
national currency for the U. S., declares the objections to the 
President's proposed government bank insuperable and fatal, and 
the scheme impracticable. 

The President vetoes a bill authorizing the government to 
subscribe to the stock of the Maysville and Lexington (Ky.) 
turnpike road, holding that to justify an appropriation for in- 
ternal improvement the object must be one of common defense, 
and of a general and national, not a local or State benefit; Mr. 
Polk asserts that by this single act the President has done 
more than any man in the country, for the last thirty years, to 
preserve the constitution ; failing to obtain a two-thirds vote 
the bill is rejected. 

In his annual message (Dec), the President gives at greater 
length his objections to the prevailing system of internal im- 
provements, and suggests the propriety of a general plan by 
which an equal distribution of the surplus revenues should be 
made among the several States, to be used for purposes of in- 
ternal improvement ; he places the expenditures heretofore 
made for internal improvements at upwards of $5,000,000, and 
estimates the cost of works partially and entirely surveyed 
and projected at $96,000,000 ; a harbor improvement bill is 
introduced early in the session and passes by large majorities ; 
the President signs it together with other bills ofa like charac- 
ter, making large appropriations for the improvement of roads 
and rivers, and for a light-house system. 

Attorney-General Berrien, in an opinion to the War Depart- 
ment, maintains, on the authority of decisions of the Supreme 
Court, that the right of the Cherokee Indians to the disputed 
lands in Georgia is one of occupancy merely; a bill to provide 
for "an exchange of lands within any of the States or Territor- 
ies, and for their removal west of the rivei Mississippi," is re- 
ported by the committee on Indian affairs of each House and 
adopted ; the sum of $500,000 is appropriated to carry the pro- 
visions of the bill into effect. The Secretary of War and Gen. 
Coffee sign a treaty with the Choctaw Indians by which the 
latter agee to cede their lands and remove beyond the Missis- 
sippi within three years. The Cherokees determine not to emi- 
grate, and issue an appeal to the public, complaining of the in- 
fringements upon their rights by the State of Georgia and of 
the lack of government protection; they engage William Wirt 
as legal counsel, and he attempts to establish their rights by 
making a case, by consent, before the U. S. Supreme Court; 
Gov. Gilmer declines; the State authorities grow bolder; Georgf 



184 History of the Cnitect States. 

1880. Tassels, an Indian, is tried, convicted of murder, and sentenced 
to be hanged, by the State officials ; a writ of error is obtained 
from the U. S. Supreme Court ordering the State to show cause 
why the judgment should not be corrected; the State Legislature 
enjoins all State officers to disregard the mandate, and author- 
izes the Governor to order the sheriff to proceed with the execu- 
tion; the Indian is accordingly hanged. 

A treaty is signed between the U. S. and Turkey. Yale Col- 
lege erects the first astronomical telescope in the U. S. Charles 
Kean, the English actor, makes his American debut in New 
York City. Joseph Smith publishes Rev. Solomon Spaulding's 
religious romance as a revelation and founds the Mormon sect. 
Georgia sends her first contribution of native gold to the U. S. 
mint. The town of Chicago is laid out and lots are offered for 
sale. Charleston, S. C, has the honor of opening the first 
American steam railroad line to travel and traffic. Some Indi- 
ans of the Sac and Fox tribes commit a series of depredations 
upon the whites near the mouth of Bock River, Illinois, which 
leads to a treaty between the government and Keokuk, their 
chief, by which the Indians agree to remove beyond the Miss- 
issippi. President Jackson is renominated for the Presidency 
by friends in the New York Legislature. The first section of 
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad is opened for business. The 
first Fourdrinier machine built in the U. S. is turned out at 
Windham, Conn. The Louisville and Portland Canal, around 
the falls of the Ohio, is opened (5 Dec), at a cost of $750,000. 

In accordance with special instructions, Mr. MeLane, the new 
minister to England, re-opens the discussion with Great Britain 
concerning the colonial trade, and effects an arrangement by 
which she will open the polls of her West India and other 
American colonial possessions to the vessels of the U. S. and 
their cargoes on equal terms with her own sailing from the U. 
S., and will permit U. S. vessels to export from her colonies to 
any country except the British dominions, on the same terms 
as British vessels; the President issues a proclamation announc- 
ing the arrangements (5 October). 

Joseph Dixon begins the manufacture of lead pencils in the 
U. S., at Salem, Mass. The omnibus makes its first appearance 
in New York City. John Randolph is appointed minister to. 
Russia, succeeding Henry Middleton. John C. Calhoun, Vice- 
President, initiates an acrimonious controversy with the Presi- 
dent concerning the latter's conduct during the Seminole war. 

James 11. Peck, Judge of the U. S. District Court for the 
District of Missouri, is impeached for alleged abuse of judicial 
authority and is acquitted; as a result of this trial a law is 
passed restricting the power of judges, in punishing for con- 
tempt of court, to cases of misbehavior in the presence of 
courts, or so near them as to obstruct the administration of 
justice, and also to the official misbehavior of officers of the 
courts. The President effects a wholesale discharge of govern- 
ment officials. 

The first National political Convention ever held (the Anti- 
Masonic) meets at Philadelphia, presided over by Francis 
Granger. 




Ml 
Wm. II. Harrison. 




John Tyler. 




James K. Polk. 





Millard Fillmore. Franklin Pierce. 

Presidents (Second Group). 



History of the United States. 

1830. The national expenses for the year amount tci $?4,5852'81, 
the debt is $48,565,406, the value of imports aggregates 
$70,876,920, and of exports, $73,849,508. 

1831. The President's cabinet is dissolved by resignations, and the 

following successors are appointed: Edward Livingston, of La., 
Secretary of State; Louis MeLane, of Del., Secretary of the 
Treasury; Lewis Cass, of O., Secretary of War; Levi Wood- 
bury, of N. H., Secretary of the Navy; Roger B. Taney, of 
Md., Attorney-General; William T. Barry, of Ky., re-appointed 
Postmaster-General. Mr. Eaton, Ex-Sevretary of War is ap- 
pointed Governor of Florida, and Martin Van Buren, Ex-Secre- 
tary of State, Minister to England; on the confirmation of Mr. 
Van Buren the Senate is a tie; Vice-President Calhoun casta a 
decisive negative vote. 
Ex-President James Monroe dies (4th July). 
Virginia and Louisiana opened their first railroads. Fayette- 
ville, N. C, is destroyed by fire. The State of Pennsylvania 
completes a great work of internal improvement embracing the 
construction of 118 miles of railroad, 277 miles of canals, and a 
series of inclined planes, at a cost of over $12,000,000. The 
Morris Canal connecting Newark, N. J., with the Delaware 
River is opened. The Charleston, S.C., railroad makes the 
first application of four-wheeled trucks to its cars. The Uni- 
versity of the City of New York is established. 

The negroes in the Southern part of Virginia break out In 
insurrection and murder over fifty whites ; Virginia and Nortfr 
Carolina State trooos crush the insurrection and capture ttv» 
leaders. 

The case of the Cherokee Indians approaches a crisis ; th< 
last act of the Georgia Legislature makes it a misdemeanor fo< 
white men to reside within the limits of the Cherokee nation 
after 1 March, without a license from the Governor and with- 
out having taken an oath of allegiance to the State; Dr. Butlef 
and Rev. Messrs. Worcester and Thompson, Presbyterian mis- 
sionaries, and two Methodist ministers have been arrested under 
the act; ten white persons have been indicted, tried, and sen- 
tenced to four years imprisonment; Gov. Gilmer pardons all 
but Dr. Butler and Mr. Worcester, on receiving assurance that 
they would not again violate the laws; Dr. Butler is conveyed 
to jail in chains ; Mr. Worcester applies to the U. S. Supreme 
Court for Relief. 

The Anti-Masonic Convention in Baltimore (Sep.) nomin- 
ates William Wirt, of Md., for President, and Amos Ellmaker, 
of Pa., for Vice-President, the first nomination ever made by a 
National Convetiori. The Convention of National Republicans 
at Baltimore (12 Dec.) nominates Henry Clay, of Ky., for Preai- 
ident, and John Sergeant, of Pa., for Vice-President. 

The first session of the 22d Congress opens (5 Dec); the 
Senate has an opposition majority ; in the House, Speaker 
Stevenson, the administration candidate, is re-elected by a 
single vote. For a third time the President attacks the U. S. 
Bank in his message. A number of proportions are submitted 
in relation to the disposal of the public la«d«, but none receives 
a final and favorable action in both houses. 



136 History of the United States, 

1881. The national expenses for the year amount to $ 30,038,445, 
the debt is $39,124,191, tiie value of imports aggregates $108, 
191,124, and of exports, $81,310,583. 
1832. The Asiatic cholera makes its first appearance in the U. S. 
Henry R. Schoolcraft discoveres the source of the Mississippi 
river while on an exploring expedition. Horse cars begin 
running on the streets of New York. Charles and Fanny 
Kemble make their theatrical dibut in America at New York. 

The case of lie v. Mr. Worcester against the State of Georgia} 
is decided by the U. S. Supreme Court ; the laws of that State! 
under which possession had been taken of the Cherokee coun- 
try and persons had been punished for residing therein, are 
declared to be contrary to the constitution, treaties, and laws of 
the U. S.; Mr. Worcester is ordered by a special mandate from 
this court to the Superior Court of Georgia to be discharged ; 
the mandate is disregarded and the missionaries are kept in 
prison without any hope of liberation before another session of 
the Supreme Court, next year. 

Brigham Young joins the Mormons at Kirtland, 0., with his 
father, four brothers, and six sisttrs. 

The first Democratic National Convention meets in Baltimore 
(May), and re-nominates Gen. Jackson for President, and 
names Martin Van Buren, of N. Y., for Vice-President. 

Gen. Santa Anna places himself at the head of the garrison 
of Vera Cruz, Mex., and attempts to re-organize the ministry; 
taking the field against Bustamente he wages an irregular war 
for nearly a year; at an armistance it is agreed to recall Presi- 
dent Pedraza from exile and place him in the capital. 

Kandolph-Macon College, Boydtown, Va., is established. ' 
James Gordon Bennett issues the first number of the New York 
Globe, (29 Oct.) 

Black Hawk repudiates the treaty made with Keokuk, and • 

gathers the Winnebagoes, Sacs, and Foxes for further depreda- 
ons; they reeross the Mississippi river, spread rapidly over the 
country, destroying the villages and killing the white settlers ; 
Gens. Atkinson and Scott are charged with the defence of the 
frontier; after embarking at Buffalo cholera breaks out among 
Gen. Scott's troops, and they are unable to co-operate Avith Gen. 
Atkinson; Gen. Atkinson reaches Black Hawk's encampment, 
and after a series of sharp engagements disperses the Indians 
and takes Black Hawk and a number «*f leading braves pris-] I 
oners. 

The States Rights Party in South Carolina hold a convention 
at Columbia (19 Nov.) ; they issue an ordinance in the name 
of the people, declaring that Congntss has exceeded its protect- ! 
ive duties, that the Acts should from that time be null and void, 
and it that is the duty of the Legislature and the State Court, 
to take prompt measures to prevent their operation after 1 Feb., 
1833 ; five days later the friends of the convention in the same 
place solemnly protest against the ordinance; Gov. Hamilton ap- 
proves the ordinance in his message; he recommends the re- 
organization of the militia, that he be allowed to^aecept 
volunteers, and that provision be made for procuring heavj' 
ordnance and other munitions of war; the President issues a , 



History of the United States. 137 

1833. proclamation (10 Dec.), asserting that the laws of the U. S. 
must be executed, and appealing to the patriotism of S. C. to 
retrace her steps, and to the country to rally in defense of the 
Union j the proclamation has a favorable reception, but does 
not arrest the preparations for war ; the government takes 
steps to maintain its laws. 

A further treaty is made at Payne's Landing, Fla., with the 
Seminoles, by which they agree to give up all their reservations 
and to conditionally remove. 

Prof. Morse begins the series of experiments which result In 
the magnetic telegraph. 

A bill originating in the House, making appropriations for 
certain internal improvements for the year, passes both bodies 
and is signed by the President notwithstanding his frequent 
objections to the system of internal improvement; the sums 
appropriated for about fifty objects aggregate $1,200,000; an- 
other bill making appropriations for certain harbors also passes 
both bodies, but the President retains it, without signing, until 
after the adjournment. 

A newtariff act passes at this session; Mr. M'Duffle, chairman 
of the committee on ways and means, reports (8 Feb.) in con- 
formity with the views of the opponents of protection; it favors 
% general system of ad valorem duties, and proposes a reduction 
of duties to a standard deemed necessary for the purpose of 
revenue, after the payment of the public debt; in compliance 
with a resolution, Mr. McLane, Secretary of the Treasury, 
makes another report (27 April), with a bill proposing several 
specific reductions and a general reduction to an aggregate 
sum equal to the expenses of the government; Mr. McLane's 
bill passes both houses after modifications in each. 

A new apportionment of members of the House of Representa- 
tives under the fifth census is made. In the Presidential election 
Gen. Jackson receives 219 electoral votes; Henry Clay, 49; and 
William Wirt, 7: for Vice-President, Van Buren receives 189; 
Sergeant, 49; 30 Pennsylvania electors vote for William Wtlkins 
(Pa.) for Vice-President, and the eleven votes of South Carolina 
go for John Floyd (Va.) and Henry Lee (Mass). The popular 
vote is Jackson, 687,502 ; Clay, 530,189 ; Wirt, 33,108. 

The petition of the officers of the U. S. Bank for a renewal 
of its charter is referred to a select committee of the Senate, 
who report favorably; long debates ensue; finally a bill for 
re-chartering the Bank passes both Houses; the President vetoes 
it, and its friends fail to carry it over the veto; in the House a 
committee is appointed to investigate the books and proceedings 
of the Bank, numerous acts of misconduct being alleged against 
the management; Messrs. Clayton, Johnson (Ky.), Cambreleng, 
and Thomas submit a majority report, Messrs. McDurfie, Adams, 
and Watmough, a second, and Mr. Adams, a third; in his an- 
nual message the President recommends the removal of the 
publio funds from the U. S. Bank and a sale of the stock be- 
longing to the government. 

Col. Bradburn arrests and imprisons a number of citizens at 
Anahuac, Texas; the colonists headed by John Austin hold a 
meeting and demand the release of the prisoners; receiving a 



138 History of the Uiiited States. 

1889. refusal they threaten to r luce the garrison; Braclburn pinions 
his prisoners to the ground, declaring the first shot tired by the 
colonists will be their fate; the colonists vow if he executes his 
threat the crime and its retribution wil] be written on the fort 
with his blood j a few shots are fired, then an adjustment is 
accepted only to be violated by Bradburn ; the Texans attack 
the Mexicans (2G June) at Velasco and capture the fort; Piedras 
goes to the relief of Anahuac, but is met by the Texans and 
forced to capitulate; Texas frees herself of military domination 
and internal strife (August); a convention of the people is held 
at San Felipe (Oct.) to secure a separation from Coahuila, but 
without success. 

Treaties are signed between the U. S. and Mexico (5 April), 
Naples (14 Oct.).. and Russia (18 Dec.). 

The national expenses for the year amount to $34,356,098; 
the debt is $24,322,235; the value of imports aggregates $101,- 
029,206, and of exports $87,176,943. 
1883. The U. S. Treasury Building at Washington is destroyed by fire, 
but its valuable contents are saved. 

The President sends a message to Congress communicating the 
proceedings of the S.C. Legislature, and suggesting the adoption 
of such measures as the crisis seems to demand ; the judiciary 
committee reports a bill authorizing the President to employ 
the land and naval forces to enforce the collection of the reve- 
nue, if resistance is oifered; Virginia requests S. C. to rescind 
her nullifying ordinance, and Congress to speedily reduce the 
revenue from duties to the standard of necessary expenses; 
Mr. Clay introduces his compromise tariff bill (12 Feb.), to pre- 
vent the destruction of the tariff policy and to avert civil war; 
he proposes a gradual reduction of the obnoxious duties during 
the next ten years; Mr. Webster opposes the bill, but it passes 
both Houses; the operation of the nullifying Acts is suspended 
in S C, and at a convention called by the Governor (11 March) 
the ordinance is repealed because of the modification of the 
tariff and the friendly action of Virginia. Mr. Clay's bill to 
distribute for a limited time tho proceeds of the sales of public 
lands is adopted a second time, but the President retains it be- 
yond the session. Eight millions of acres of land have been 
granted by Congress to new States up to this time. 

The first reaping machine is publicly tried before the Hamil- 
ton County Agricultural Society of Ohio, by Obed Hussey. 
The Knickerbocker Magazine is established in New York by Mr. 
Peabody. Frederick Tudor begins the exportation of American 
ice, sending a cargo to India. 

Santa Anna is elected President of Mexico ; the federal 
system is again re-organized; Gen. Duran promulgates a plan 
in favor of the church and the army, and proclaims Santa Anna 
supreme Dictator of the nation; the President leaves the capital 
with an army to quell the revolt; Arista, second in command, 
declares in favor of Duran's plan; Vice-President Farias rallies 
the federalists against the soldiery, defeating the President's 
scheme; Santa Anna returns to the capital, raises another army, 
and compels the surrender of the insurgents; Arista is pardon- 
ed, and Duran exiled. 



History of tlie United States. 130 

The S. C. Railroad is now completed to Savannah, and Is the 
longest line in the world. A canal, connecting the Ohio River 
with Lake Erie, il opened to navigation. o 

Gen. Stephen F. Austin, charged with delivering a statement 
of grievances to the Mexican authorities from the people of 
Texas, is arrested while returning, at Saltillo, by order of Vice- 
President Farias, and thrown into a dungeon ; two parties 
spring up among the Americans in Texas one anxious to pro- 
claim the province independent of Mexico, the other retaining 
confidence in Santa Anna and opposing revolutionary measures, 
while also anxious for a State Government; a second convention 
is held at San Felipe to effect a separation of Texas from Coah- 
uila (April), at which a petition for the separation of the two 
provinces is framed and the plan of a State constitution 
adopted. 

Congress refuses to authorize the removal of the public funds 
from the U. S. Bank; after the adjournment the President as- 
sumes the responsibility and directs William J. Duane, the 
Secretary of the Treasury, to withdraw the Government funds, 
(nearly $10,000,000) and deposit them in certain State Banks; 
the Secretary refuses and is removed from office; Roger B. 
Taney is appointed his successor, and promptly executes the 
President's order ; the amount of loans of the bank (1 Oct.) is 
estimated at over $60,000,000 ; intense excitement throughout 
the country ensues; the whole amount of Government funds is 
removed in nine months; the State Banks receive the funds on 
deposit and begin to loan freely j confidence is being rapidly 
restored. 

A commercial treaty is concluded between the U. S. and 
Austria, another with Turkey, and a special one with the 
Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, by which $1,720,000 are to be 
paid as an indemnity for claims of citizens of the U. S. for 
depredations upon our commerce by the King of Naples be- 
tween 1809 and 1812. A bill drawn on the French Government 
for the first instalment ($900,000) of the indemnity due citizens 
of the U. S., according to Mr. Rives's treaty with France in 
1831, is dishonored on presentation for payment. 

The second term of Gen. Jackson's administration begins 
(4 March). Benjamin F. Butler, of New York, is appointed 
Attorney-General. 

The Legislatures of New York, New Jersey, Ohio, and 
Tennessee pass resolutions approving the President's course on 
the Bank question. 

Andrew Stevenson, of Va., is again re-elected Speaker of the 
House. Mr. Clay offers a resolution (5 Dec.) requesting the 
President to inform the Senate whether the paper on the bank 
question read to his cabinet and alleged to have been published 
by his authority, is genuine or not, and if genuine to furnish 
the Senate with a copy of it; the resolution is adopted; the 
President, in reply, questions the right of the Senate to require 
of him an account of any communication made in a cabinet 
council, and declines to comply} Mr. Clay submits two resolu. 
fcions declaring the President's dismissal of the late Secetary of 



140 History of the United State: 

1888, the Treasury for not removing the deposits, and the appointment 
of another who did , an illegal exercise of power, and the reasons 
therefor unsatisfactory; tbe discussion is protracted for three 
months; the second resolution is adopted as read, and the first 
after being modified hy the author; the President in a message 
protests against this action, and the Senate adopts a resolution 
declaring the President has no right to send a protest to the 
Senate against any of its proceedings. 

The missionaries imprisoned in Georgia in defiance of the 
U. S. Supreme Court, discontinue then* suit and are released. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $24,257,298; 
the debt is $7,001,032; the value of imports aggregates 
$108,118,311, and of exports, $90,140,443. 
1834. The Mormons organize a governing body called the Twelve 
Apostles. Serious differences as to doctrines have sprung up In 
the Presbyterian Church, and its adherents now divide into the 
New School and the Old School parties. Branch mints are to be 
established at New Orleans, Charlotte, N. C, and Dahlonega, 
Ga. Many of the President's former supporters are joining the 
opposition; the combined force is assuming the name of Whigs, 
while the administration party adhere to the name of 
Democrats. 

Horace Greeley, Jonas Winchester, and E.Sibbett bring out 
the New Yorker (22 March). 

The Seminole Indians in Florida are creating grave alarm; 
Mican py, the king of the nation, is opposed to the removal 
agreed to in the treaty of 1832, and Osceola, their most noted 
chief, peremptorily refuses to leave the land of his fathers} the 
President sends Gen. Wiley Thompson to Florida, to prepare 
for a forcible removal of the Indians, if necessary: the haughty 
bearing of Osceola and his firmness in pressing his remoiu 
strances against the proceedings anger Gen. Thompson, and he 
orders the chief to be placed in irons and confined for a day; on 
his release the Indian feigns penitence, agrees to the removal, 
and promises to surrender certain cattle and horses during the 
first fortnight of Dec, 1835. 

New Orleans is beginning to light her streets with gas. 

The Indian Territory, with an area of 71,000 square miles, Is 
organized. 

The manufacture of table cutlery is established at Greenfield, 
Mass. 

Mr. McLane resigns the office of Secretary of State, and John 
Forsyth, a Senator from Georgia, is appointed in Ins place; Mr. 
Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, receives the appointment of 
Secretary of the Treasury, to succeed Mr. Taney, whose appoint- 
ment during the recess the Senate refuses to confirm; Mahlon 
Dickerson, a former Senator from Mew Jersey, is appointed 
Secretary of the Navy; the appointment of Mr. Butler, as At- 
torney-General, is confirmed. Speaker Stevenson, of the House, 
in nominated as minister to Great Britan, but is rejected in the 
Senate; the British mission lias been vacant two years, Aaron 
Vail acting as the U. S. Representative. Mr. Stevenson resigns 
the Speaker's chair, and John Bell, of Tenn., is chosen Speaker 
en the tenth ballot. ""> Representative Gordon, ©f^Va., in ao 



History of the. United State-.. ill 

1834. amendment to a pending bill, suggests the establishment of 
U. S. Sub-treasuries, but his proposition is ridiculed. 

The Senate finance committee, instructed to investigate the 
affairs of the U. S. Bank, make a voluminous report (f8 Dec), 
which is In the main favorable to the management. 

The number of officers, agents, contractors, etc., who are 
paid from the U. S. Treasury is reported at upwards of 00,000, 
of whom 31,917 are connected with the Post (Mice Department. 
Oberlin (O.) College is established. 

The French Government having repeatedly refused the Legis- 
lation necessary to pay the U. S. the first instalment of the 
indemnity, the President suggests, as a measure of redress, 
reprisals upon French commerce, in case the Chambers again 
adjourn without making provision for payment. 

The election in New York City is unusually stormy; political 
meetings are broken up, the militia are called out for the pro- 
tection of the city, and many rioters are arrested. 

New York City elects a Mayor (Cornelius W. Lawrence) for 
the first time. 

The anti-slavery agitation is creating mob violence; leading 
abolitionists are brutally attacked, and their dwellings together 
with a number of churches, school-houses, and negro homes in 
various parts of the country destroyed; Philadelphia has a 
three nights' riot in which the mob assaults nearly fifty houses 
inhabited by negroes. 
Lafayette dies at La Grange, France (20 May). 
Brooklyn, N. Y., blossoms out as a city, and gives itself a 
full set of municipal officers. 

A crowd of disguised people attack a convent at Charles- 
town, Mass., seeking a girl alleged to be confined against her 
will, and failing to discover her, they warn the inmates out and 
destroy the buildings by fire. 

Santa Anna deserts the federal republican party and system 
in Mexico, and espouses the cause and assumes the direction of 
his former political enemies; conscious of his strength as the 
head of the military chiefs and the army, he dissolves the 
national Congress and the council of government and sum- 
mons a new and unconstitutional one to meet in Jan. next, 
until which time he is the supreme authority; these proceedings 
have a marked influence on the citizens of Texas; the Legislature 
of Coahuila and Texas is divided into two parties: one, assem- 
bling at Monclova, denounces Santa Anna and sustains Viduari, 
the constitutional governor ; the other, meeting at Saltfllo, 
declares for Santa* Anna, issues a proclamation against the 
Congress, annuls the decrees of the State Legislature, and elects 
a military governor; the Legislature of the State of Coahuila and 
Texas gives away large tracts of the public domain which lie 
almost exclusively within the limits of Texas, against the pro- 
tests of the Texan members. 

The national expenses f or the year amount to $24,601,982; 

the debt is $4,700,081; the value of imports aggregates 

$126,521,332, and of exports, $104, 336,973. 

1835. An attempt is made to assassinate the President by a crazy 

Englishman named Tjawrence, who is captured ami sent to n 



142 History of the Unite** States. 

1835. lunatic asylum (30 Jan.) Chief Justice John Marshall dies at 
Philadelphia (6 July). The New York Herald makes its appear- 
ance as a two-cent paper, under the auspices of James Gordon 
Bennett and Anderson and Smith, printers (0 May.). 

It is decided hy popular vote in New York City to hegin the 
construction of the Croton Aqueduct. The publication of the 
"Moon Hoax," by Richard Adams Locke, editor of the New York 
Sun, creates great excitement throughout the country and 
Em-ope. 

Messrs James and Erastus Brooks bring out the New York 
Express. 

Santa Anna's irregular Congress meets (Jan.); the Vice-Presi- 
dent is deposed without impeachment and Gen. Barragan, a 
leading centralist, succeeds him; the reduction and disarming 
of the militia of the several States is decreed; a rebellion results 
in the State of Zacatecas, which the President suppresses by a 
battle on the plains of Guadalupe; a few days later the "Plan of 
Toluca," changing the federal system to a central government, 
is published, and the Central Republic is established by 
decree (3 Oct.); Santa Anna reduces all opposition by force 
of arms except in the province of Texas, from which the 
citizens chive all the Mexican troops; Santa Anna pre- 
pares a large army to subjugate the Texans. The Mexican 
Governor of Texas calls out the militia, but the appeal is dis- 
regarded and the executive compelled to flee; the Congress de- 
poses the State authorities and arrests and banishes all refractory 
Legislators; Gen. Stephen Austin is released and returns from 
Mexico; he calls the Texans to arms and organizes the militia 
to repel the Mexican invasion; the Mexican General Cos ar- 
rives at Copano and marches toward Bexar; the Texans attack 
the Mexicans at Gonzalez (1 Oct.) and disperse them; eight 
days later they capture the Mexican stronghold, Goliad, with 
$10,000 worth of stores and a large quantity of arms; Gen. 
Austin defeats a superior force of Mexicans, near Bexar 
(20 Oct.); the Texan colonists hold a general convention at 
San Felipe and adopt a declaration of rights and independence 
(7 Nov.); a provisional government is formed, with Henry 
Smith, governor, and Samuel Houston, commander-in-chief of 
the army; Edward Burleson is elected to the chief command of 
the volunteers, and Gen. Austin is appointed a commissioner 
to seek the aid and recognition of the U. S.; the Texans, under 
the veteran Milam, besiege Bexar, and after penetrating to the 
center of the town, force the garrison to surrender (11 Dec). 

President Jackson announces the extinction of the national 
debt. Chicago organizes a fire-department, and opens her first 
bank. The manufacture of horse-shoes by machinery is begun 
at Troy, N. Y., and of pius at New York. Col. Sam, Colt begins 
making revolver pistols at Hartford, Conn. - Springhill College, 
St. Joseph, Ala., and Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Ga., are 
organized. Attacks upon the negroes and abolitionists are 
becoming daily occurrences in the Northern States. Work 
is begun on the New York and Erie Railroad. New York 
City is visited by a terrible fire (16 Dec); the night is in- 
tensely cold; the flames rage three days, lay waste ^the 



History of the United States. 143 

3835. business part of the city, and consume 648 houses and stores 
with $18,000,000 worth of property; the flames are checked by 
blowing up buildings with gunpowder; all the insurance 
companies are forced to suspend payments. 

Instead of keeping his promise with Gen. Thompson, 
Osceola, the Seminole chief, takes to the war path in the Ever' 
glades of Florida (Dec); Major Dade is sent from Fort Brooke- 
at the head of Tampa Bay, with over 100 men, to the assistance 
of Gen. Clinch, at Fort Drane, in the interior; the Major and 
all but four of his command are massacred near Wahoo 
Swamp (281; the same day Osceola appears near Fort King, 
and while Gen. Thompson is dining with friends, the Indians 
suddenly kill the general and five others; Osceola takes Thomp- 
son's scalp and the Indians disappear before the assault is 
known; Gen. Clinch and his troops have a battle with the 
Seminoles on the Withlacoochee (31).. 

In the U. S. Senate Mr. Benton moves a resolution ordering 
Mr. Clay's resolutions against the President on the deposits 
question to be expunged from the minutes. A claim for spolia- 
tions of the property of American citizens by France prior to 
1800 is presented, with a bill proposing to pay the claimants an 
aggregate of $5,000,000; Mr. Webster, its author, advocates 
the bill, while Mr. Wright leads the opposition; the bill passes 
the Senate, and the House postpones action on it till next 
session. 

A Democratic National Convention in Baltimore adopts the 
two-thirds rule, and unanimously nominates Van Buren for 
President ; Richard M. Johnson nominated for Vice-President. 
Wm. Henry Harrison and Francis Granger are nominated by 
several Whig State Conventions. Georgia and Tenn. nominate 
Hugh L. White and John Tyler; Mass., Webster and Granger; 
Md., Harrison and Tyler; S. C, W. P. Manguin and Tyler. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $27,573,141; 
the value of imports aggregates $149,895,742, and of exports, 
$121,693,577. 
1836. Santa Anna sets out from Saltillo for the Rio Grande, where 
there are 8,000 troops, to drive the Americans out of Texas 
(1 Feb.); he attempts to excite the Indians against the Texans; 
the Mexican minister to the U. S. remonstrates against the 
interference of the American people in a purely domestic ques- 
tion of Mexico; the President of the U. S. sends Maj.-Gen. 
Gaines to command the troops on the Louisiana border, with 
orders to preserve a strict neutrality and to arrest any person 
exciting the Indians to war; Gen. Austin goes to the U. S. to 
obtain means for carrying on the war; Gen. Houston hastens to 
treat with the Indians, and Gov. Smith is removed from office; 
information is received (7 Feb.) that the Mexicans are advancing 
to the Rio Grande, and that a strong detachment is already at 
Matamoras; Col. Fannin notifies the provisional government, 
and calls for aid to protect Bexar; the colonists are dilatory, 
and allow the Mexicans to concentrate on the heights of the 
Alesan (23 Feb.); the Texans, under William B. Travis, and 
numbering 150 men, retire to the Alamo, and sustain a bom- 
bardment of 24 hours without losing a man; Travis makes 



History of the United States. 

1836, repeated appeals for aid; only 32 volunteers from Gonzale? 
come to his succor; the entire Mexican force of over 4000 men, 
under Santa Anna, surround the Alamo at midnight (6 March); 
they are twice repulsed in attempting to scale tiie walls, but a 
third time they succeed; only two persons, Mrs, ] lickerson and 
a negro servant, escape the butchery that follows; among the 
slain are Travis, Mai. Evans, Col. James Bowie, and David 
Crockett, of Tenn. 

In the meantime a convention of the colonists, who now 
number at least 50,000, is held at Washington, on the Brazos, 
and (2 March) it unanimously agrees to a declaration of inde- 
pendence; a constitution for the Republic of Texas is adopted 
(17), and David G. Burnett, of N. J., is appointed provisional 
president. 

Gen. Urrea, leaving Santa Anna near Bexar, proceeds along 
the coast with a strong division; Capt. King, with a small 
detachment, falls in with the Mexican cavalry, and his whole 
party are captured and killed; Col. Fannin, not hearing from 
King, sends another detachment under Col. Ward to protect 
the families at the Mission of Refugio; Ward has two engage- 
ments with the Mexicans; in the first he is victorious, but in 
the second he is overpowered and forced to surrender; Fannin 
begins a retreat from Goliad to Victoria (18 March), and is ever- 
taken the same day by the Mexicans; he repels all Urrea's 
charges until dusk, when a body of Indians crawl through the 
grass and attack him; Urrea is reinforced in the morning, and 
Fannin is obliged to surrender; the capitulation is violated by 
SantaAnna's orders (27 March), and all the prisoners, amounting 
to about 400, are put to death at Goliad, save a few who escape 
after the first fire. 

The army under Gen. Houston, numbering 783 men, crosses 
Buffalo Bayou (19 April), surrounds the Mexican force under 
Gen. Cos, numbering nearly l.GOO men, on the San Jacinto, 
makes a sudden attack (21), and nearly annihilates the enemy, 
killing 630, wounding 208, and taking 730 prisoners, with a loss 
on their own side of 8 killed and 17 wounded; Santa Anna 
himself is captured on the following day; President. Burnett 
concludes a convention with Santa Alma (14 May), and the lat- 
ter is nominally released, much against the popular sentiment, 
which demands that he be detained within Texas; subsequently 
the President of Texas releases him; lit 4 goes to Washington, 
D. C, has a secret conference with the President of the U. S. 
(18 Dec), and leaves (2G) in a war vessel for Mexico. 

The Seminoles attack Gen. Gaines near the Withlacoochee 
(20 Feb.) and kill a number of his troops; the Creeks begin 
depredations in Georgia and Alabama, attacking villages and 
causing the Avhites to flee; Gen. Scott wages a vigorous war 
against the Creeks, subduing them and sending several thou- 
sands to their designated homes in the west; Gov. Call, of Ga., 
marches against the Seminoles with nearly 2.000 men (Oct.); a 
severe engagement occurs near the scene of Dade's massacre 
(21 Nov.). but without material results. 

Arkansas, formed from French territory, adopts a constitution 
(1 March), and is admitted into the Union by Act of 15 June; the 



History of the United States. 145 

1836. same Act admits Michigan conditionally. By Act of 20 April 

Wisconsin is formed as a Territory out of lands acquired froii 

Great Britain and heretofore lying hi the Territory of Michigan, 

Brigham Young is elected President of the Twelve Apostles, 

Mormons. 

The Union Theological Seminary (Preshy.) in New York 
City is founded. 

The charter of the U. S. Bank expires hy limitation. 

Ex-President James Madison dies (28 June). Aaron Burr 
dies (14 Sep.) 

The Treasury Department issues a circular (11 July) requiring 
all collectors of the public revenue to receive nothing but gold 
and silver in payments; the " Specie Circular" is denounced by 
business men generally. 

Congress authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to dis- 
tribute all the public funds, except $5,000,000, among the dif- 
ferent States on the basis of their representation; a mania for 
speculation sets in. 

Gen. Samuel Houston is elected the first constitutional Presi- 
dent of the Republic of Texas, and Gen. Mirabeau B. Lamar, 
Vice-President (Sept.). 

Vice-President Martin Van Buren (Dem.), of N.Y., is elected 
President of the U. S., over William Henry Harrison (Whig), 
of O.J H. L. White (Ind.), of Tenn.; and Daniel Webster 
(Whig), of Mass.; for Vice-President there is no electoral choice 
between Richard M. Johnson (Dem.), of Ky.; Francis Granger 
(Whig), of N. Y.; John Tyler (Ind.), of Va,; and William 
Smith (Whig), of Ala. The electoral votes are Van Buren, 170; 
Harrison, 73; White, 26; Webster, 14, and Mangum, 11; and 
for Vice-Pres., Johnson, 147 ; Granger, 77; Tyler ,47; Smith, 23. 
The popular vote is : Van Buren, 761,549 ; the opposition, 
736,656. 

The United States Patent Office is destroyed by fire, with all 
its contents (15 Dec). 

In Mexico the Congress suspends the presidential authority of 
Santa Anna while a prisoner in Texas (20 May); Gen. Barragan, 
Viee-Pres., assumes executive functions, but dies shortly alter. 

The anti-slavery question is assuming vast proportions; peti- 
tions praying for the abolition of slavery and the slave-trade 
are daily presented in Congress from the free States; the pre- 
vailing sentiment is that Congress has no constitutional author- 
ity to interfere in any way with the institution of slavery in any 
of the States. 

The distinguished actress, Ellen Tree, makes her first Ameri- 
can appearance in New York (12 Dec). 

Philadelphia is now lighting her streets with gas. 

In Centreville, Mich., tobacco, for chewL-g purposes, is being 
cut very fine by machinery. 

Experiments in Pennsylvania have resulted in the belief that 
anthracite coal is more satisfactory than wood for locomotive 
fuel. 

Scientific people are elated over the erection of a building at 
Willianistown, Mass., for astronomical observations. 

The national expenses for the ve^r amount to $30,934,664 



146 History of the United States 

1836. the value of imports aggregates $189,980,085, and of exports 
$128,663,040. 

1837. Senator Benton's persistency in seeking to have Mr. Clay's resolu- 
tion of 28 March, 1834, condemning President Jackson for remov- 
ing the deposits, expunged from the journal, meets with suc- 
cess (16 Jan.), the resolution being expunged by a vote of 24 
yeas to 19 nays, 5 absentees. 

Michigan, having complied with the conditions imposed upon 
her, is admitted into the Union, 26 Jan. 

Santa Anna reaches Vera Cruz, 20 Feb.; the lack of confi- 
dence in him is so strong that he is forced to go into retirement; 
Gen. Bustamente is elected President; frequent declarations in 
favor of federation are made, but the government suppresses 
the disturbances with ease; Gomez Farias, still in prison, is 
making strong efforts for the Presidency. 

The independence of the Republic of Texas is recognized by 
the U. S. Government, 3 March. 

Martin Van Buren, eighth President, is sworn into office 
(4 March); he appoints as his cabinet, John Forsyth, Secretary of 
State; Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Treasiuy; Joel R. 
Poinsett, Secretary of War; Mahlon Dickinson, Secretary of 
the Navy; Amos Kendall, Postmaster-General; and Benjamin 
F. Butler, Attorney-General. As none of the candidates for 
Vice-President received a majority of the electoral votes, the 
Senates goes into an election, and chooses Richard M. Johnson. 

The town of Chicago is incorporated as a city, 4 March. 

The Seminole campaign has continued through the winter; 
after several severe encounters with the troops, a number of 
chiefs call on Gen. Jesup, at Fort Dade (6 March), and sign a 
treaty which guarantees speedy peace, and the prompt removal 
of the Indains beyond the Mississippi; during the summer, 
however, Osceola reappears, urges the violation of the treaty, 
and renews the war; Osceola, with several chiefs and 70 war- 
riors, appears at Jesup's camp, under a flag of truce (21 Oct.); 
exasperated by his former treachery, Jesup seizes all the Indians 
and places them in confinement; Osceola is sent to Fort Moul- 
trie, S. C, where he dies of a fever; nearly 9,000 troops remain 
in the State, engaging irregularly with the Indians till the close 
of the year; Col. Zachary Taylor inflicts a severe defeat upon 
them at Macaco Lake, 25 Dec. 

The results of last year's overtrading and speculation are 
becoming alarming apparent : in New York City the mercantile 
failures already (March and April) amount to over $100,000,000, 
and in New Orleans to $27,000,000; in Boston 168 heavy failures 
occur within six months; a deputation from the merchants 
and bankers of New York call upon the President (May), and 
solicit him to defer the collection of duties on imported goods, 
rescind the " Specie Circular," and call an extraordinary session 
of Congress to adopt relief measures; the President accedes to 
the first request only; all the banks in New York suspend 
specie payments (10), and the Legislature authorizes the sus- 

Sension of specie payments for one year (16); the action of the 
ew York banks is speedily followed by those in Boston, 
Philadelphia, Albany, Hartford. Baltimore, Providence, anc 



History of the United States. 14 7 

elsewhere. Seeing that these suspensions will seriously embar- 
ras the Government by rendering it unable to obtain gold and 
silver to discharge its own obligations, the President calls a 
special session of Congress, to convene 4 Sep.; in his message 
the President ruggests the entire disuse of banks as fiscal 
agents of the Government; the collection, safe-keeping, transfer, 
and disbursements of the public money by officers of the Gov- 
ernment; and the employment of specie alone in its fiscal 
operations. He believes the exclusive use of specie a practicable 
operation, and holds that a demand for it will thus be created, 
and its exportation prevented; to supply the existing deficiency 
in the Treasury he recommends withholding the last installment, 
$9,367,200, now on hand, which under the law should be 
deposited with the States in Oct. next. Congress meets accord- 
ing to the call and sits forty -three days; many measures for 
relief are proposed; the President's recommendation for the 
establishment of an independent Treasury meets with very 
strong opposition; a bill carrying out the suggestion passes the 
Senate but is lost in the House; both bodies pass a bill author- 
izing the issue of treasury notes to an amount not exceeding 
$10,000,000, and another postponing the deposit of the last 
instalment of the surplus revenue till 1 Jan., 1839. 

The Indiana Asbury Institute at Greencastle is organized. 

An open rupture occurs between the New School and the 
Old School parties of the Presbyterian Chinch, and the process 
of separation begins; the undivided Church has 23 synods, 135 
presbyteries, 2,140 ministers, 280 licentiates, 244 candidates, 
2,865 churches, 220,557 members. 

Roman Catholic Bishops are appointed for Nashville, Tenn.,. 
Natchez, Miss., and Dubuque, Iowa. 

Rev. E. P. Lovejoy, publisher of an abolition newspaper at 
Alton, 111., is killed by a mob, and his property destroyed, 7 
Nov. 

The first regular session of the 25th Congress opens, 4 Dec; 
m discussing the Sub-Treasury bill, Mr. Tallmadge, who has 
separated from his Democratic friends, pronounces the creed of 
the locofocos the destruction of the whole banking system of 
the country, the repeal of charters, and the abrogation of 
vested rights; Messrs. Clay, Calhoun, and Webster make great 
speeches on the financial condition. 

A revolutionary movement is developed in Canada (Dec.), 
supposed to have in view a separation from Great Britain; 
William Lyon McKenzie leads the agitation in Upper Canada, 
and Louis Joseph Papineau, a large land-owner, that in the 
Lower Province; the movement excites the sympathy of Ameri- 
cans in the northern States; the Governors of New York and 
Vermont issue proclamations warning their citizens from unlaw- 
ful acts; the steamboat Caroline is seized at Schlosser, on the 
American side (29 Dec), by a party of armed men who come 
from and return to the Canadian side; the crew are attacked, 
the boat is set on fire, and drifts over the Niagara Falls. 

Capt. John Ericsson successfully applies a screw for the pro* 
pulsion of steam vessels. 



148 History of the United State*- 

1837. The total appropriation? for the prosecution of the Seminole 
Indian war to the close of the year aggregate $5,100,000. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $37,265,037; 
the debt is $1,878,223; the value of imports, $140,989,217, and 
of exports, $117,419,376. 

1838, President Van Buren issues a proclamation in regard to the 
Canadian excitement, 5 Jan.; Gen. Scott is ordered to assume 
military command on the border, and requisitions are made 
upon' Gov. Marcy, of New York, and Gov. Jenison, of Ver- 
mont, for such military force as Gen. Scott may need; Secretary 
of State Forsyth informs Mr. Fox, the British Minister, of the 
Caroline outrage; a bill to protect the frontier and preserve our 
neutral relations passes both Houses of Congress; the Canadian 
"patriot" forces are disbanded before the opening of spring; 
quite a number of Americans, taken prisoners by the Canadian 
troops, are tried under British laws, convicted, and cither exe- 
cuted or transported to Van Dieman's Land. 

The Republic of Texas applies for annexation to the V. S. 
(Jan.); a bill is introduced for the purpose, and read for debate 
(24 April); a motion to refer it to the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs is laid on the table; the Texan Minister formally with- 
draws the application, Oct. 

The Medical College of Virginia is founded. 

A branch U. S. mint is opened at Dahlonega, Ga. 

The Mormon community at Independence, Mo., numbering 
12,000 men and women, is attacked by the populace, who charge 
them with every crime in the criminal code; then printing office 
is destroyed, several of the Apostles are tarred and feathered, 
and a number of the ' ' saints " are killed. None of the 
charges made against the Mormons are proven, the major- 
ity are shown to be ridiculous and without foundation ; 
nevertheless, so strong is the religious feeling aroused 
against the new Christian sect that they are driven 
from the State. Joseph Smith conducts them to Hancock 
County, Illinois, where they found the city of Nauvoo. 

in Mexico Gen. Mexia again attempts to overthrow the cen- 
tral government; he advances toward the capital with a con- 
siderable force, and is met near Puebla by Santa Anna, who 
has been entrusted by President Bustamente with the command 
of the government troops; Mexia is defeated, and being takei 
prisoner, is shot on the held of battle, without time for prayer. 
A French fleet attacks Vera Cruz on account of the rejection by 
Mexico of a French demand for reparation for the plundering 
■of French residents and the violent collection of forced loans; 
Santa Anna commands the Mexican troops, and while following 
the retreating French, has a leg shattered by a cannon-ball. 

The Earl of Durham succeeds to the Governor-Generalship of 
all British America; having banished to Bermuda a number of 
prisoners taken in the insurrection, he is censured by the 
British Parliament, which induces him to resign before the close 
of the year; a fresh rebellion, which had been organized during 
the summer along the wholf line of the American frontier, 
breaks out in the Montreal district, 3 Nov.; at Napierville, 
where some 4,000 insurgents had been collected, to keen com- 



History of the United States. 

1838. munications open with friends in the U. S., a conflict occurs in 
which the insurgents are defeated by a party of loyalists; the 
latter are in turn attacked in Odelltown, but repulse the insur- 
gents. Several hundred Americans sail from the vicinity of 
Sackett's Harbor and land near Prescott, where they are joined 
by many restless Canadians; the camp is attacked by govern- 
ment troops (13 Nov.), and sustains the shock ; the party are 
again attacked by a larger force (16), when nearly the whole 
surrender J another invasion occurs from the American side 
(4 Dec), when some 200 men cross from Detroit to Sandwich, 
rout a party of British, burn the barracks and a steamer, and 
are almost immediately dispersed by fresh troops; many of the 
prisoners are shot directly after the skirmish. 

MeKenzie, who started the " patriot " rebellion in Canada, 
taking up his residence in the U. S., is, with Gen. Van Bense- 
laer, the commander of the united American and Canadian 
force, arrested, and tried and convicted before Judge Thompson, 
for a violation of the neutrality laws; both are sentenced to- 
fine and imprisonment. 

Both Houses of Congress pass a joint resolution repealing the 
"Specie Circular" of 31 May, 1838. 

The Legislature of Pennsylvania passes an act for the pro- 
motion of silk culture, 2 April; the National Silk Society is 
organized at Baltimore, 11 Dec. 

By Act of Congress (13 June) Iowa is formed as a territory 
from the teiritory of Wisconsin, and includes all the tract 
between the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers and north of 
the northern boundary of Missouri. 

A convention is signed (Sep) between the U. S. and Mexico, 
by which it is agreed to refer the claims of the former upon 
the latter for injuries to the persons and property of our citi- 
zens to a board of commissioners, two to be appointed by each 
party, and in case of a difference of opinion, the question to be 
submitted to the King of Prussia, or to an arbiter to be appointed 
by him; the ratifications to be exchanged on or before 10 Feb., 
1839. 

Capt. Charles Wilkes, U. S. N., sails on his famous South 
Sea exploring expedition. 

Two steamers, the Great Western and the Sirius, propelled 
exclusively by steam-power, arrive at New York from London 
and Bristol respectively, and are the pioneers of Atlantic steanu 
ship travel. 

The money bequeathed by James Smithson, of England, 
amounting to upwards $500,000, for the purpose of founding 
an advanced educational establishment in the U. S., is received 
at New York, and with it the Smithsonian Institute, at Wash- 
ington, D. C, is created. 

Congress having ordered a new set of standard weights and 
measures, zinc is used in their manufacture, for the first time 
in the U. S. 

Solid head-pins have begun to be manufactured at Birming- 
ham, Conn. 

Charleston, S. C, is visited by a fire which destroys 1,158; 
buildings, laying waste nearly half the city, 



150 History of the United State*. 

1838. Over one hundred persons lose their lives by an explosion of 
the boilers of the Steamboat Moselle while en route from Cin- 
cinnati to St. Louis. 

The manufacture of gold spectacles and silver thimbles is 
begun at Long Meadow, Mass., by Dimond Chandler. 

Patents are granted to Charles Goodyear, for making gum- 
elastic shoes; to Col. Stephen 11. Long, U.S.A., for a suspension 
and brace bridge; and to Elisha K. Root, Collinsville, Conn., 
for a machine for punching and forming the eyes of axes, 
hatchets, and hammers. 

The national expenses of the year amount to $39, 455,438; 
the debt is $4,857,600; the value of imports, $113,717,404; and 
of exports, $108,486,616. 
1839= Mexico fails (10 Feb.) to perform its obligation according to the 
convention of Sep., 1838; the House Committee on Foreign 
Relations report that the reasons for the delays are unatisfactory , 
and declare the determination of the House to sustain the Ex- 
ecutive in any ulterior measures that may be adopted; Mexico 
assigns as a chief reason, a belief that the King would decline 
to serve; the President, In his message (Dec), attaches little 
credence to this reason, but receives it as an explanation; he 
consents to a new convention and directs Mr. Ellis to resume 
diplomatic intercourse with the Mexican authorities for the pur- 
pose. 

Charles Goodyear perfects his idea of vulcanizing or eboniz- 
ing India-rubber by means of sulphur (Feb.). 

W. F. Harnden, of Boston, initiates the express business In 
the U. S. (4 March), carrying packages from that city to New 
York. 

Gen. Macomb succeeds to the chief command of the U. S. 
Army (April); he induces a number of the Seminole chiefs to 
sign a treaty of peace (May), by which they are to remain in 
Florida until they can be convinced of the advantageous circum- 
stances of then acquaintances who have emigrated West; the 
Indians almost immediately resume warfare upon the Whites, 
and the Government of the Territory offer a reward of $200 for 
each Indian killed or captured (June). 

While voyaging down the Pacific Coast from Alaska, John 
A. Sutter is stranded in what is now the Bay of San Francisco 
(July); he seeks the interior, obtains a Mexican grant of land, 
and establishes himself in the lumber business. 

The schooner L' Amistad, bound from Havana to G janaja, 
Port Principe, with fifty-four blacks on board, while lying near 
the coast of Connecticut, is seized by Lieut. Geduey, of the U. 
S. brig Washiwjton, and taken into New London (Aug.); the 
blacks prove to be slaves, purchased at Havana, who, when they 
had heen a few days, out, rose in mutiny and killed the cap- 
tain and three of the crew; Cingues r son of an African chief 
and leader of the mutiny, with 38 others, are conmiitted for 
trial; a demand is made upon our Government by the acting 
Spanish Minister to the U. S., for the surrender of the vessel, 
the cargo, and the slaves to the Spanish authorities; before the 
TJ. S. Circuit Court in Hartford (Sep.) the counsel for Spain 
demands the release of the blacks; Judge Thompson denies the 



History oj the XTnixea States. 

1839. motion; a long controversy ensues as to the jurisdiction of the 
district and circuit courts, in which is also involved the claim of 
the officers and crew of the Washington for salvage; adjourn- 
ments are had to Nov. and thence to Jan., next. 

Matthew Carey, the distinguished Protectionist, dies at Phila. 
(17 Sep.) 

The Republic of Texas sends a diplomatic agent to Vera 
Cruz, to endeavor to establish amicable relations with Mexico, 
but the commandant-general threatens to imprison him if he 
lands. France recognizes the Republic and signs a treaty with 
it (25 Sep.). 

Through over-speculation in cotton the U. S. Bank is forced 
to suspend operations, 10 Oct.; this failure entails a loss of 
$2,000,000 in deposits upon the Government, and precipitates 
another financial panic; over 400 banks are obliged to' close 
business wholly or in part; the South and West suffer the most 
severely. 

John William Draper, M.D., L.L.D., is elected Professor of 
Chemistry in the University of New York (Nov.), and takes the 
first photographic portrait ever taken from life. 

At the western New York Anti-Slavery Society's meeting at 
Warsaw (13 Nov.) an abolition ticket is nominated, with James 
G. Birney of N. Y. for President, and Francis J. Lemoyne, of 
Penn., for Vice-President. 

The National Whig Convention is held at Harrishurg,Penn., 
beginning 4 Dec, with James Barbour, of Va. in the chair; 
two days later 254 nominating votes for President are cast, of 
which William Henry Harrison receives 148, Henry Clay, 90, 
and Gen. Scott, 16; John Tyler, as a candidate for Vice-Presi- 
dent, receives all the votes cast, 231. 

Peaceful relations between the U. S. and Great Britain are en- 
dangered by the excitement concerning the boundary between 
the State of Maine and the British Province of New Brunswick; 
preparations are being^ made in both places to settle the dispute 
by armed combat; Gen. Scott is hurried to the frontier and 
succeeds during the winter in restoring quiet. 

In his annual message (Dec.) the President again calls atten- 
tion to his Sub-Treasury proposition, and Mr. Wright reports a 
bill in the Senate authorizing its establishment. 

It having been announced that a pack of blood-hounds have 
been imported from Cuba to aid in the capture of the Seminole 
Indians, many petitions are received in Congress remonstrating 
against the barbarity; before any action is taken the use of the 
dogs is abandoned because of inefficiency. 
Freeman Hunt establishes the Merchant's Magazine. 
Messrs. Baldwin, Vail, and Hufty, of Phila., receive orders 
from English railroad companies for a number of locomotives, 
from their works. 

The national expenses of the year amount k> $37,614,936; the 

debt is $11,983,737; the value of imports $162,092,132, and 

of exports, $121,088,416. 

340. The independent Treasury bill, rejected at the special session of 

1837, and renewed by Mr Wright upon the repeated argument? 



History of the United States. 

2840. in the President's message, passes the Senate (23 Jan.) and the 
House (30 June). 

In the case of the blacks captured on V Amistad. Judge 
Judson, of the District Court, decides (Jan.) that the jurisdic- 
tion of the court has been established, that the seizers are 
entitled to salvage, that the demand of the Spanish authorities 
for restoration cannot be entertained, and that the actual 
murderers, being black, must be set free; had they been white 
they would have been tried and executed as pirates; Tin 
Africans are to be delivered to the President under the Act oi 
1819, to be returned to Africa; an appeal is taken from these 
decisions to the Circuit Court, where Judge Thompson affirms 
the decree; and to prevent any legal doubt the Government 
itself, at the request of the Spanish Minister, appeals to the U. S. 
Supreme Court, which affirms the decision of f he District Court 
except as to sending the blacks back to Africa, ordering, instead, 
then- discharge from custody as free men; the British Govern- 
ment intercedes with our Government in behalf of the blacks, 
and urges Spain to enforce the laws against the alleged owners 
of the slaves and all other Spaniards connected with the trans- 
action. 

On the assembling of the 26th Congress tire seats of five of 
the six members of the House from N.J. are contested; the 
event leads to an animated debate; the committee on elections 
are instructed (28 Feb.) to report forthwith which five of the 
claimants received the largest number of votes; a report is 
made (5 March) in favor of the administration candidates. Messrs. 
Philemon Dickerson, Peter D. Vroom, Daniel B. Ryall, William 
R. Cooper, and Joseph Kille; these claimants are declared 
entitled to the seats (10 March); after receiving further testi- 
mony, the report of the committee declaring them duly elected 
is adopted, 16 July. 

Senator Benton introduces a bill from the military committee, 
to provide for the armed occupation aiid settlement of that por- 
tion of Florida infested by hostile Indians, by granting land to 
settlers, not exceeding 10,000 men able to bear arms, 320 acres 
each; but the bill is rejected. 

The National Democratic Convention is held at Baltimore 
(5 May); it unanimously nominates Martin Van Buren for a 
second Presidential term; no candidate for Vice-President is 
nominated, but subsequently Richard M. Johnson and James 
K. Polk are put in the field by different States. 

The terms " log-cabin " and " hard cider " are applied to the 
exciting campaign in compliment to Gen. Harrison, who had 
experienced pioneer life in the West, and usually treated his 
visitors to cider; log-cabins are erected all over the country 
during the campaign, and a terrible amount of hard cider is 
drunk at the political meetings hi them. 

Of the electoral votes at the Presidential election the Whig 
candidates receive 234 each; Van Buren, 60; R. M. Johnson, 
for Vice-President, 48; L. W. Tazewell, of Va., 11; and James 
K. Polk, 1. Whig popular vote. 1,275,017: Democratic, 
1,128,702. 







^^^!^^/v^^- 



History of the United States. 153 

1840. Samuel Cunai-d, of Halifax, starts the first of the line of 
ocean steamships bearing his name, the Britannia, from Liver- 
pool (4 July), and it reaches Boston in fourteen days. 

In Mexico the Federalist party, headed by Gen. Urrea and 
Gomez Farias, create an insurrection in the capital city (July) 
and seize the President; after fighting twelve days a convention 
of general amnesty is agreed upon by the contending parties. 

Great Britain recognizes the independence of the Republic of 
Texas, and concludes a treaty with it (16 Nov.); Mexico agrees 
to receive a Texan agent and permit him to submit the basis of 
a treaty. 

The census shows the population of the U. S. to be 17,068,666 

Alvan Adams begins carrying packages between Boston and 
New York in competition with W. F. Harnden, and thus 
founds the Adams Express Co. 

During the year 473 patents have been issued from the U. S. 
Patent office. Among the most important are : to William Rus- 
sell, New York, for a method of laying wooden blocks on roads 
and streets; Samuel B. F. Morse, electric telegraph; John 
Ames, Springfield, Mass, a machine for making, ruling, and 
cutting paper; Norman T. Winans and Thadeus Hyatt, New 
York, machine for making splints for friction matches; and 
Ross Winans, Baltimore, an improved method of regulating 
the waste steam of locomotives. 

The national expenses of the year amount to $28,226,553; the 
debt is $5,125,077; the value of imports, $107,641,519; of ex- 
ports, $132,085,936. 

1841. General Harrison is inaugurated ninth President of the U. S, 

(4 March); he chooses the following persons as members of his 
cabinet: Daniel Webster, Mass., Secretary of State ; Thomas 
Ewing, Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; John Bell, Tenn., 
Secretary of War; George E. Badger, N. C, Secretary of the 
Navy; Francis Granger, N, Y., Postmaster-General; John J. 
Crittenden, Ky., Attorney-General; issues a proclamation (17) 
convening Congress in special session (31 May) to take action 
on the state of the currency and finances. 

After an illness of eight days the President dies (4 April) in 
the Executive Mansion ; Vice-President Tyler is notified at 
Williamsburg, and reaches Washington, where to dispel any 
doubt that might arise as to the validity of his oath as Vice- 
President, while acting as President, he takes the oath as Chief 
Magistrate before Judge Cranch (6) ; the funeral of the late 
President takes place (7) ; President Tyler makes no change in 
the Cabinet, 

The New York Tribune appears (10 April) as the avowed 
organ of the Whig party, edited by Horace Greeley, with the 
assistance of Henry J. Raymond; the New Yorker and the Log 
Cabin are merged into the Weekly Tribune (July), and Mr. Gree- 
ley forms a partnership with Thomas McElrath. * 

Alexander McLeod, a Canadian, charged with having partici- 
pated in the cutting out and burning of the Caroline, and sub- 
sequently charged with the murder of Amos Durfee, who was 
on the boat at the time of the seizure, is taken from Lockport, N. 
Y., to New York City on a writ of habeas corpus (May}; th Q 



154 History of' the United States. 

18-sl. British Government demands his release: the case is discussed at 
the extra session of Congress, Mr. Webster holding that 
McLeod should be discharged, and Mr. Adams sustaining the 
administration; the trial takes place at Utica, N. Y. (Oct.), at a 
special session of the Circuit Court, ordered by the Legislature 
for the purpose, and results in the acquittal of the prisoner. 

Congress assembles in special session (31 May): the Presi- 
dent's message reports the deficit in the available funds in the 
Treasury to meet the wants of the Government for the year at 
nearly $11,500,000; John White, a Whig member from fey., is 
elected Speaker of the House by a vote of 121 to 84 for John 
W. Jones, Va., and 16 scattering; the Senate likewise has a 
Whig majority; a bill is introduced for the repeal of the Sub- 
Treasury law; it passes the Senate (9 June) and the House 
(9 Aug.), and becomes a law by the President's approval (13). 

The President expresses a desire that the Secretary of the 
Treasury be called upon for suggestions for the establishment 
of a bank; the House (3 June) and the Senate (7) make a rail, 
to which the Secretary responds (12); he proposes the incor- 
poration of a bank in the District of Columbia, with power to 
establish branches only with the assent of the States, and to 
be known as the Fiscal Bank of the U. S. ; Mr. Clay reports a 
bill on the Secretary's plan (21), which is debated up to 2H July, 
when, with amendments, the Senate passes it; the House 
(6 Aug.) adopts it, and the President (1G) vetoes it; a new bill 
is prepared, to overcome the President's objections; the House 
(23 Aug.) and the Senate (3 Sept.) pass it, and the President 
returns it (9) with his veto ; these actions produce great excite- 
ment; all the Cabinet but Mr. Webster resign (11 Sept.); the 
same day the Whig members of Congress hold a meeting and 
appoint a committee to prepare an address to the citizens of the 
U. S., which (13) is issued; the course of President Tyler is 
almost universally condemned by the Whig party. 

At this special session Acts are passed providing for the dis- 
tribution of the proceeds of the sales of public lands among 
the States, authorizing a loan of $12,000,000, and establisliing 
a general bankrupt law. 

The vacancies in the Cabinet are filled by the appointment of 
Walter Forward, Penn., Secretary of rite Treasury, John Mc- 
Lean, Ohio, Secretary of 'War; AbeJUP. Upsheer, Va., Secre- 
tary of the Navy; Charles A. WckJiffe, Ky., Postmaster-Gen- 
eral; and Hugh S. Legare, S. C, Attorney-General. Judge 
McLean declines his appointmeut, and John C. Spencer, N. Y., 
is appointed in his place. 

President Lamar, of Texas, sends three commissioners (18 
June), under an escort of nearly 400 citizens, to Santa Fe, for 
the purpose of opening trade with that city, and establishing 
the authority of the republic over all the territories east of the 
Rio Grande; being intercepted by a strong force of Mexicans, 
tfie entire party surrender (17 Oct.), and are bound together 
with ropes and started on the march to Mexico City ,1,200 
miles distant; they reach the capital (Dec), where they are 
heavily chained and condemned to labor in the streets as com- 
mon scavengers. 



History of the United, States. 155 

1841. Another revolution breaks out (Aug.) in Mexico, and risings 
occur in the capital and at Vera Cruz, the latter being 
led by Santa Anna; the capital is bombarded, a month's con- 
test in the streets follow, and Bustamente is forced from the 
President's office; a military convention is held (Sep.), and the 
plan of Tacubaya, for an entire change in the government, is 
adopted; Santa Anna again becomes President. 

An abolition riot occurs in Cincinnati (Sep.), and several 
houses are destroyed by the mob. 

The brig Creole leaves Richmond for New Orleans (Oct.), 
with 135 slaves on board; a mutiny occurs (7 Nov.), in which a 
part-owner of the slaves (Howell) is killed, and several of the 
crew are injured; the slaves take the brig to Nassau, New 
Providence; the British magistrates and the U. S. consul hold 
an investigation; nineteen of the slaves are imprisoned by the 
local authorities for the mutiny and murder; a demand by 
our consul that they be surrendered to be sent to the U. S. 
for trial is refused. 

Theodore R. Timby constructs a model of a revolving iron 
tower for harbor defense. 

Among the 495 U. S. patents granted this year are one to 
Edwin M. Chaffee, Cambridgeport, Mass., for tlie manufacture 
of balls of India-rubber, and one to Samuel Slocum, N. Y., for 
a machine for sticking pins In papers. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $31,787,530; 
the debt is $6,737,398; the value of imports $127,946,117; and 
of exports $121,851,803. 

1842. Mr. Adams presents to the Senate (24 Jan.) a petition, signed ty 

citizens of Haverhill, Mass., for the adoption of measures 
peaceably to dissolve the Union, and moves its reference to a 
select committee with instructions to report the reasons why 
the prayer should not be granted; Mr. Gilmer offers a resolu- 
tion of censure upon Mr. Adam3 for presenting such a peti- 
tion; Mr. Marshall offers a substitute declaring Mr. Adams' 
action the deepest indignity to the House and the people; a 
violent debate ensues to 7 Feb., when the resolutions are laid 
on the table and the reception of the petition refused. 

The Secretary of State (Mr. Webster) instructs our minister 
to England (Mr. Everett, 29 Jan.) to present the case of the 
slaves on the Creole to the British Government, with a distinct 
declaration that "if the facts turn out as stated, our Govern- 
ment think it a clear case for indemnification;" the question 
raises argument in Parliament, where Lord Brougham dissents 
from Mr. Webster's view; it is agreed that there is no author- 
ity to surrender the fugitives, nor hold the mutineers in cus- 
tody, and orders are issued to the British authorities at Nassau 
to release them. 

The House Committee on manufactures report (31 March) that 
the estimated expenses of the Government for the current vear 
are $26,000,000, which will leave a deficit of about $14,000,000, 
and that some permanent provision for an increased revenue is 
indispensable; the committee submit the draft of a bill for a 
revision of the tariff; while the bill is pending a bill accom- 
panying the report of the Secretary of the T^asury is submit- 



fflstory of the United States. 

1843 s ted (10 June), to extend to 1 Au<r. next all laws regulating 
duties existing and in force on 1 June, with a proviso that 
nothing therein contained shall suspend the distribution among 
the States of the proceeds of public land sales, the first distri- 
bution being due 1 July; the bill passes both Houses and is 
sent to the President who (29 June) vetoes it, mainly because it 
abrogates the provisions of the Compromise Act, by continuing 
the existing duties for one month after 30 June, when a re- 
duction was to take place; the tariff bill is taken up and after 
being amended is passed by the House (16 July) and the 
Senate (5 Aug.), and returned by the President (9) with his 
veto; another bill, the same as that just passed, except that 
the distribution clause is stricken out, is rushed through both 
Houses (passing the Senate by one vote) and is approved by the 
President; an independent bill, repealing the proviso in the 
Distribution Act so as to allow the distribution to take place 
notwithstanding the increase of duties, is adopted, but is de- 
feated by Presidential retention. 

Lord Ashburton, appointed Minister Extraordinary by Great 
Britain, for the purpose of negotiating an adjustment of the 
north-eastern boundary question, arrives in the U. S., 3 April; 
commissioners appointed by the Legislatures of Maine and Mas- 
sachusetts, and by the Government of the Province of New 
Brunswick, participate in the important deliberations; a treaty 
of boundary is concluded, 9 Aug., ratified by Great Britain, 13 
Oct., and proclaimed by the President, 10 Nov. 

The President sends a communication to the Senate, 10 May, 
proposing a method of settling the Indian troubles hi Florida; 
a bill embodying his views is drawn up and passes both Houses; 
it offers to any head of a family or any single man over 18 years 
old, able to bear arms, and making an actual settlement, one 
quarter section of land on conditions involving the improve- 
ment of the land; 200,000 acres are thus granted during the 
year, and the hostilities cease. This war has cost about $20,000,- 
000. 

Lieut. John C. Fremont, U.S. Topographical Engineer, starts 
from Choteau's trading-house, beyond the western boundary of 
Missouri, on his first exploring expedition to the far "West, 10 
June; he has 21 Creole and Canadian voyageurs with him, 
besides Kit Carson, guide, Charles Preuss, topographical assist- 
ant, and L. Maxwell, hunter; he takes his course along the bed 
of Platte river, through what becomes famous as the South 
Pass, and thence north to the Wind River Peak of the Rocky 
Mountains; the great achievement of the expedition, and one of 
the greatest feats ever accomplished by a traveler, is performed 
•(15 Aug.) when he ascends this noted peak, the highest of the 
vast chain, and plants his foot where never mortal foot had stood 
before; the party face homeward (17 Aug.) by way of the Loup 
Fork of the Platte river, reach St. Loins, Mo., 17 Oct., and 
"Washington, D. C, 29; the entire expedition has been replete 
"With hardship, danger, and inestimable scientific knowledge, 
and the gallant leader receives the highest praise of his country's 
legislators, and the cultured minds of the old and new worlds, 
for his phenomenal achievements. 




John 0. Fremont. 



History vj- the United States. 157 

1842. The new Mexican Congress assembles (June), and Santa 
Anna declares in favor of a strong central government; the 
subsequent proceedings dissatisfy him and (Dec.) he dissolves 
the Congress without any authority, and convenes an assembly 
of notables in its place. 

Work on the construction of the Croton Aqueduct in New 
York has proceeded so rapidly that the engineers are able to let 
water into the reservoir on Fifth Avenue (1 July), and the event 
is celebrated by an imposing procession. 

The sect of Adventists called Millerites, from William Miller, 
of Mass., who formulated the belief in 1838, claim that the 
second appearance of Jesus Christ on earth will occur in Oct. ; 
thousands of believers throughout the U. S. dispose of all their 
property, attire themselves in white robes, and congregate on 
the house-tops and in open fields in anticipation of the event, 
which they also believe will embrace then- own ascension to 
glory with Him. 

Prof. S. F. B. Morse lays the first submarine telegraph wire, 
as an experiment, in New York Harbor, 18 Oct., anticipating by 
more than a year and a half the construction of *the first land 
line. 

A treaty is concluded between the U. S. and Mexico (Dec), 
for the purpose of settling the claims of our citizens, which 
amount to $2, 026, 079, independent of a large number unadjusted; 
the first payment, $270,000, the interest on the sum awarded, is 
to be made 30 April, 1843, and the whole is to be paid in five 
years. 

Lieut. Wilkes, U. S. N., returns from his exploring expedi- 
tion to the extreme Southern Ocean; he reports that he has 
sailed about 90,000 miles, and that he coasted along what he 
believes to be an Antartic Continent, a distance of 1,700 miles; 
the observations and discoveries made during the long voyage 
are pronounced of priceless value to the world at large. 

Dming the year, 517 U. S. patents have been granted. The 
most important are: J. J. Greenough, Boston, for a sewing 
machine (the first mechanism of its kind on record); Cullen 
Whipple, Providence, R. I., for a machine for cutting: threads 
in wood screws; and William Becker, Utica, N. Y., for a 
machine* for manufacturing from wood a substitute for curled 
hah - in stuffing cushions. 

The Mormon city of Nauvoo, Dl., is chartered by the State 
Legislature. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $32,936,876; 
the debt is $15,028,486; the value of imports, $100,152,087; and 
of exports, $104,691,531. 
L843. The difficulties in Rhode Island over an attempt to substitute a 
State Constitution of government for the Charles II. Charter 
are assuming a serious aspect ; Thos W. Dorr, who has been 
the most active in promoting the change, and is the leader of 
the Suffrage Party, is chosen Governor (18 April) at a Conven- 
tion which frames and adopts a Constitution, and elects a Legis- 
lature; the Law and Order Party take similar action about the 
same time, electing Samuel W. King Chief Magistrate; both 
parties meet (3, 4 May), and organize their respective Govern- 



/58 History oj- the Jnited /States. 

1843. merits ; violent measures are taken by each ; Dorr leaves the 
State, but returning (16 May), his followers assemble under 
arms, and undertake to seize the State Arsenal; the other party 
rally in its defense, and, aided by Government troops, prevent 
the seizure ; Dorr, to avoid arrest, again leaves the State; the 
Suffrage Party make another appearance under arms, at Che- 
pachet, and are joined (25 June) by Dorr ; the whole State is 
placed under martial law, and the Dorr party are defeated and 
their leader is captured; he is tried and convicted of treason, and 
sentenced to imprisonment for life; the General Assembly pro- 
vides for another convention to frame an acceptable constitu- 
tion. 

The sentiment in favor of the annexation of Texas is growing 
very strong, particularly in the Southern States ; in Alabama 
the Legislature sends a petition to Congress favoring the project; 
in Mississippi the Legislature declares that protection to the 
best interest of the South (slavery) will be afforded by the an- 
nexation ; in South Carolina resolutions are proposed asserting 
that Texas is already a part of the Union ; a secret correspond- 
ence is carried on during the year between the Secretary of 
State, Mr. Everett, our Minister to England, Mr. Thompson, 
Minister to Mexico, Mr. Murphy, our Charge in Texas, Mr. Van 
Zandt, Texan Charge at Washington, and others, concerning the 
scheme and ths conditions to be imposed previous to the con- 
summation of the Act ; in his message (Dec.) the President 
intimates a disposition to interpose by force of arms to put an 
end to the war between Mexico and Texas, and says that the 
U. S. has an immediate interest in the matter. 

The results of Lieut. Fremont's first expedition are so unex- 
pected, and his success so extraordinary that the Government 
sends him on a second one; he is expressly charged to connect 
the exploration with the surveys of the Pacific Coast by Capt. 
Wilkes, TJ. S. Navy, so as to give a connected survey of the 
interior of our continent; his second party number 39, and 
include the most trusty of his first squad; he proposes this time 
to go up the valley of the Kansas River, to the head of the Ar- 
kansas River, and to some pass in the mountains, if any can be 
found, at its source, in order to lay out a new and more pleasant 
road to Oregon and California ; the party leave the town of 
Kansas, 29 May ; after traveling over 1,700 miles he comes inj 
sight of what he calls an Inland Sea (6 Sept.), subsequently 
known as the Salt Lake ; the party reach Fort Vancouver, on 
the Columbia River, the appointed terminus of his jonrney, 4 
Nov.; six days later they start on then homeward journey, in 
which he contemplates a circuit to the south and south-east, 
and the exploration of the great basin between the Rocky Moun- 
tains and the Sierra Nevada. 

Daniel Webster resigns the Secretaryship of State (May); the 
President appoints Hugh S. Legare to succeed him (June) ; on 
the sudden death of Mr. Legare, while attending the Bunker 
Hill celebration (17), the President calls Abel P. Upshur to the 
Department of State. 

In Mexico tire Assembly of Notables, convened by Santa 
Anna's order, draw up a new constitution, known as the bases 



Miszory oj trie United States. 159 

of political organization of the Mexican Republic, and (13 June) 
proclaim it; by it the Roman Catholic religion is to be protected 
to the exclusion of all others; the President is to be elected for 
five years ; the rights of citizenship can only be enjoyed by 
those who have an annual income of at least $200 ; the first 
Congress of the new Government is to assemble in Jan. next. 

The completion of the Bunker Hill Monument, at Boston, is 
celebrated with a grand demonstration (17 June); the President 
and his Cabinet participate, and Daniel Webster delivers one 
of the greatest orations of his life. 

A Liberty Party National Convention at Buffalo (30 Aug.) 
nominates J. G-. Birney and Thomas Morris. 

The Old School and New School branches of the Presbyterian 
Church enter upon their careers as distinct denominations; their 
relative strength is : Old School, 1,434 ministers, 2,092 congre- 
gations; New School, 1,263 ministers, 1,496 congregations. 

The Wesleyan Methodist Church is organized as an inde- 
pendent denomination at Utica, N. Y. ; it agrees in theology 
and internal discipline with the elder body, but excludes the 
Episcopacy and presiding elders, and provides lay representa- 
tion. 

Screw propulsion is introduced into the U. S. by the con- 
struction of the Princeton, a steamship classed as a second- 
rate sloop-of-war ; she was built by Capt. Ericsson, and is the 
first screw steam war-vessel ever built. 

The U. S. Patent Office grants 531 patents during the year; 
among them are one to Benjamin Brandreth, N. Y., for an im- 
provement in making vegetable drugs and pills; to Napoleon E. 
Guerin, N. Y., for a machine for hatching chickens by artificial 
heat ; to John M. and Lyman Hollingsworth, Boston, for a 
method of making paper from manilla grass; andtoEnos Wilder 
for the construction of a safe of heavy iron plates, filled with 
hydrated plaster of Paris ; this is the first safe that is able to 
stand the test of a big fire. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $12,118,105; 
the debt is $27,203,450 ; the value of imports, $64,753,799; and 
of exports, $84,346,480. 
Lieut. Fremont reaches the first waters of the great basin which 
has the Wahsatch and Bear River Mountains for its eastern, 
and the Sierra Nevada for its western rim, a sheet of green 
water some 20 miles broad (10 Jan.); at first he believes it to be 
Mary's Lake, but subsecmently concludes it is an unknown 
body of water, and names it Pyramid Lake; he comes hi sight 
of the valley of the Sacramento (6 Feb.), and encamps (20) on 
the summit of the pass in the dividing ridge, 1,000 miles by 
traveled road from the Dalles of the Columbia ; this point is 
2,000 feet higher than the South Pass in the Rocky Mountains, 
and many peaks rise several thousand feet higher around him; 
Capt. Sutter's fort, on the Sacramento River, is reached (6 
March), and a few days are given up to rest; resuming the 
journey (24) Fremont proposes to avail himself of the pass at 
the head of the San Joaquin River, 500 miles south of Sutter's 
Fort, and thence to cross the rim of the great basin, so as to 



160 History of the United States. 

1844. reach the head of the Arkansas river on the opposite side of the 
mountains; on 23 May he reaches Utah Lake, finding himself 
at the end of eight months on the same sheet of wafer he left 
in Sept. previous, the Utah being the southern limh of the Great 
Salt Lake, of which he is now able to fix the points of its 
northern and southern extremities ; the party reach St. Louis 
(6 Aug.) and disband. 

Charges of sedition and disloyalty having been m'Tide 
against the new Christian sect at Nauvoo, which had rap- 
idly grown and now numbered over 16,000 persons, Joseph 
Smith, his brother, Hyram Smith, John Taylor, and William 
Richards voluntarily surrender themselves to stand trial on 
the charges, at the suggestion of Governor Ford, who prom- 
ises them protection. He places a guard over them in the 
Carthage jail, and the guard, 27 June, assassinate Joseph 
Smith and Hyram Smith. Taylor is seriously wounded and 
Richards escapes. Brigham Young succeeds Joseph Smith, 
and to escape the religious persecution of the States, the 
Mormons start out under his leadership V> make a home 
for themselves in the great American desert on the shores > 
of the recently explored great Salt Lake. There they build 
the city of Salt Lake. 

The new Mexican Congress assembles (Jan.), and votes a 
contribution of $4,000,000, with which to prosecute a war 
against Texas ; the opposition to Santa Anna is increasing 
rapidly throughout the country ; Congress reassembles (Dec. 
7), when Gen. Herrera, the constitutional leader, is appointed 
provisional President, and a new ministry is formed : great 
rejoicings follow the overthrow of Santa Anna's Government. 

The President and several members of the Government and 
their families make an exclusion on the Princeton down the \ 
Potorsac (28 Feb.), to witness the trial of a new gun; on the 
second discharge it bursts and kills several persons, including 
Mr. Upshur, Secretary of State, and Mr. Gilmer, Secretary of 
the Navy; the vacancies thus caused are filled by the appoint- 
ments of John C. Calhoun, Secretary of State, and John Y. 
Mason, Secretary of the Navy. 

Alleged spirit-rappings are manifested to the Fox family, 
Hydeville, N. Y., 31 March. 

A treaty is concluded (12 April) by John C. Calhoun, Secre- 
tary of State, on the part of the U. S., and Isaac Van Zandt 
and J. Pinckney Henderson, on the part of Texas, for the 
annexation of the Republic; i* is sent to the Senate (22) and 
rejected (8 June). 

The National Whig Convention assembles at Baltimore (1 
May), with Ambrose Spencer, N. Y., President; a resolution 
declaring Henry Clay, of Ky., to be unanimously nominated 
for the Presidency is carried by acclamation; Theodore Freling- 
huysen, N. J., is nominated for Vice-President. 

The National Democratic Convention meets at Baltimore (2T 
May); Mr. Van Buren has a majority on the first ballot, but a 
majority of two-thirds is required to nominate; after the eighth 
ballot liis name is withdrawn, and on the ninth the vote is 



History of the United States. 

unanimous for James K. Polk; Senator Silas Wright, N. Y., is 
nominated for Vice-President, but declines, and (28) George M. 
Dallas, Penn.,is chosen. 

Caleb Cushing and Tysing conclude a treaty (3 July) between 
the U. S. and China, opening a number of ports to American 
trade and residence. 

Messrs. Polk and Dallas are elected (Nov.) President and 
Vice-President respectively, having 170 electoral votes each to 
105 for Messrs. Clay and Frelinghuysen; the popular vote for 
Polk is 1,335,834, and for Clay, 1,297,033. 

Bills are introduced (Dec.) in Congress, to provide for the 
annexation of Texas, and the establishment of a Territorial 
Government in Oregon. 

During the year, 396,790 pounds of silk, valued at $1,400,000, 
are raiser 1 in the U. S. 

Among the 502 U. S. patents granted during the year, are, one 
to Charles Goodyear, for corrugating or shirring India-rubber 
goods, and one to William P. Ketcham, Buffalo, N. Y., for a 
mowing or reaping machine. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $33,642,010; 
the debt is $24,748,188; the value of imports. $108,435,035; and 
of exports, $111,200,046. 

Several resolutions are introduced (Jan.) into Congress for the 
annexation of Texas; a joint resolution, which excites a great 
debate in the Senate, beginning 13 Feb., is adopted therein (27) 
and in the House (28), and is signed by the President, 1 March. 
Constitutions for State Governments having been presented 
by the Territories of Florida and Iowa, Acts are passed for their 
admission as States into the Union, and signed by the President, 
3 March. 

In the closing days of President Tyler's administration, an 
Act is passed establishing, as a uniform time for choosing Presi- 
dential electors in all the States, the Tuesday next af rer the first 
Monday of November; also, one reducing postage to five cents 
on single letters earned not exceeding 300 miles; over that dis- 
tance, ten cents. 

James K. Polk is inaugurated tenth President of the U. S., 4 
March; in his inaugural Message, he declares his opposition to 
national banks " and other extraneous institutions, to control or 
strengthen the Government," and pronounces in favor of a 
tariff for revenue merely, but so adjusted as to afford inciden- 
tal protection to home industry. 

The new Cabinet is constituted as follows : James Buchanan, 
Penn., Secretary of State; Robert J. Walker, Miss., Secretary 
of the Treasury; William L. Marcy, New York, Secretary of 
War; George Bancroft, Mass., Secretary of the Navy; Cave 
Johnson, Tenn., Postmaster-General; John Y. Mason, Va., At- 
torney-General. 

Mr. Almonte, the Mexican Minister, protests (6 March) against 
the admission of Texas as a State, gives notice of a termination 
of his mission, and asks for his passports. 

A large portion of the city of Pittsburg, Penn., is (10 April) 
destroyed by fire; the loss on 1,100 buildings, with their con- 
tents, is estimated at $10,000,000. 



162 History of the United States. 

1845. The members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Slave- 
holding States, acting under the friendly "Plan of Separation," 
declare (1 May), at a convention at Louisville, Ky., the jurisdic- 
tion previously exercised by the General Conference entirely 
dissolved, and establish a separate ecclesiastical connection under 
the title of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. 

President Herrera, of Mexico, issues a proclamation (4 June) 
declaring the rights of Mexico in Texas, and his determination 
to defend them at all hazards; on the same day, President 
Jones, of Texas, issues a proclamation asserting that Mexico 
will agree to Texan independence if her separate existence is 1 
maintained; the Texan Congress meets (16), and the President 
submits the annexation resolutions of the U. S. and the treaty 
proposed by Mexico; a convention of the people of Texas is 
held, 4 July, and the act of annexation is consummated by an 
acceptance of our Government's terms. 

Ex-President Andrew Jackson dies (8 June) at the Hermit- 
age, aged 78 years. 

President Polk, anticipating that the annexation of Texas 
will lead to hostilities on the part of Mexico, orders (July) Gen. 
Zachary Taylor, then in command of troops in the southwest, 
to proceed to Texas with his troops and take a position as near 
the Rio Grande as prudence will allow; this army of occupation 
aggregates 1,500 men; while Gen. Taylor is marching to Texas, 
a squadron of naval vessels, under command of Commodore 
Conner is ordered to the Gulf of Mexico to protect American 
interests there; Gen. Taylor selects Corpus Christi, on the west 
side of the Neuces, the extreme western settlement made by 
the Texans, for his camp, and goes into quarters (Sep.). 

Considerable excitement prevails in official circles on the 
Oregon question; in 1818, it was agreed between the U. S. and 
Great Britain, that each nation should enjoy equally the privi- 
leges of all the bays and harbors on the coast for ten years; in 
1827, this agreement was renewed for an indefinite period, with 
the proviso that either party might rescind it by giving the 
other party one year's notice; negotiations have been carried on 
between the two Governments for a settlement of the dispute, 
but as no agreement is apparent they are now abandoned; pre- 
parations like those for war are said to be in progress in Eng- 
land, while here the cry of the administration is, " the whole of 
Oregon or none; " in his Message (Dec), the President recom- 
mends that the year's notice be given to Great Britain, as a step 
toward bringing the question to an issue, and a resolution is 
adopted in Congress accordingly. 

The President informs Congress (Dec.) that Mexico has paid 
but three of the twenty quarterly instalments of indemnity 
money, and that seven of the remaining seventeen are now due; 
claims of more than $3,000,000, left undecided by the original 
commission, have since been recognized by a treaty which has 
been ratified by our Government but not yet by Mexico; Mexico 
agrees to renew diplomatic relations, and Mr. Slidell, La., has 
been sent there to settle all existing difficulties. 

Fremont, now a Captain by brevet, starts on his thud expedi- 
tion, having for its object the survey of Oregon and California; 



History of tfce Vnited /States. 

he advances westward to the pass of the Cascades, where the 
Columbia traverses the mountains which form the northern 
extremity of the Sierra Nevada, and explores that chain south- 
ward in the depth of winter, passing over the last culminating 
ridge, and descending into the low country watered by the Sac- 
ramento. 

Elias Howe completes his first sewing machine. 

The most important of the 502 patents granted this year is 
one to E. B. Bigelow, for a loom for weaving carpets. 

Congress ratifies the Chinese treaty negotiated by Caleb 
Cushing. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $30,490,408; 
the debt is $17,093,795; the value of imports, $117,254,564; and 
of exports, $114,646,606. 

In pursuance of orders from the Secretary of War (13 Jan.), to 
advance from Corpus Christi to a point on the Rio Grande 
opposite the city of Matamoras, because it was believed Mexican 
troops were gathering there for an invasion of Texas, General 
Taylor begins the march early in March, and camps at Point 
Isabel, on the coast, 28 miles from Matamoras (25); he is im- 
mediately notified by the Mexican authorities that he is on 
foreign soil; leaving his stores there with Major Monroe and a 
force of 450 men, he pushes the remainder of his army (28) to 
the bank of the Rio Grande, where, under the superintendence of 
Capt. Mansfield, he erects a fort large enough to accommodate 
2,000 men, and names it Fort Brown, in honor of Major Brown, 
who is placed in command there; the Mexican commandant 
fires the custom-house and other buildings at Point Isabel, on 
the approach of our fleet. 

Another revolution in Mexico removes Gen. Herrera from the 
Presidency and places Gen. Paredes in power; he sends Gen. 
Ampudia to Matamoras with a large force to drive the Americans 
Deyond the Neuces; reaching the city (11 April), Ampudia notifies 
Gen. Taylor the next day to withdraw his troops within 24 
"hours; Taylor refuses, and Ampudia, failing to carry out his 
instructions, is superseded by Gen. Arista, commander-in-chief 
of the northern division of the Mexican army (24). 

A force of Mexicans cross the river above and below the 
American camp, cutting off communication between Gen. Tay- 
lor and his stores at Point Isabel; Capt. Ker, with a squadron of 
dragoons, is sent to reconnoitre between the camp and the mouth 
of the river, while another squadron, under Capt. Thornton, is 
sent above for the same object; the former returns without hav- 
ing seen a hostile force, but the latter are suddenly surrounded 
(24 April) by a large body of Mexican infantry and cavalry, 
and after a skirmish in which sixteen Americans are killed, the 
remainder are made prisoners; this is the first engagement and 
the first shedding of blood in the Mexican war. 

Gen. Taylor leaves Fort Brown, garrisoned with a regiment 
of infantry and two companies of artillery (1 May), and marches 
the remainder of his army to Point Isabel, then threatened by 
a force of 1,500 Mexicans; the Mexicans bombard Fort Brown 
(3), but the Americans silence their batteries; another attack, 
With reinforcements, is made (6), during which Major Brown is 



164 History of the United States. 



1846. mortally wounded; the signal (heavy guns) is given to warn Gen. 
Taylor of the attack, and Cant. Hawkins takes command. 

Hearing the signal. Gen. Taylor leaves Point Isabel (7), with 
a little over 2,000 men, to the relief of the garrison; he encoun- 
ters a Mexican army, G,000 strong, under Arista, drawn up on 
the prairie of Palo Alto (8), and gives them battle; the action 
lasts five horns; the Mexicans are unable to stand the destruc- 
tive live of Ringgold's, Churchill's, Duncan's, and Kidgcl.y's 
batteries, and fall back; Arista fails to maintain the battle, and 
at dark the enemy give way and flee; the American loss is 
4 men and 3 officers killed, with 37 wounded; and the Mexican, 
200 killed, with 400 wounded. 

On the following day (9), the victorious Americans move 
toward Fort Brown; early in the evening they discover the 
enemy drawn up in battle array in the ravine of Besaca de la 
Palm a; a vigorous action immediately ensues; Capt. May dis- 
tinguishes himself by leading a charge upon the enemy's artil- 
lery and capturing it, along with Gen. La Vega, its commander; 
the infantry are ordered to charge the entire Mexican line; the 
Mexicans resist stubbornly for a while, but soon become panic- 
stricken, and precipitately flee; the Americans capture eight 
pieces of artillery, several standards, large military stores, and 
over 100 prisoners, and lose in killed and wounded 110, while 
the Mexican loss is estimated at 1,000; Fort Brown sustains a 
bombardment for 160 hours before Gen. Taylor reaches it; he 
crosses the Rio Grande, drives the Mexican troops from Mata- 
moras, and takes possession of the city (18). 

Early in the spring, Capt. Fremont leaves his companions in 
the valley of the San Joaquin, and starts alone for Monterey, the 
capital of Upper California* when near the city, his advance is 
checked by a detachment of Mexican troops who order him to 
quit the country immediately; he refuses, seeks his men. and, 
retiring to the summit of Hawk's Peak, erects a rude fort, over 
which he hoists the American flag; after remaining here a brief 
spell, he resumes his journey up the valley of the Sacramento 
into Oregon; there he is surprised by a secret messenger from 
the Secretary of War, notifying him of the trouble with Mexico, 
and asking him to watch the Government's interests in Califor- 
nia; he at once returns to California (June), arouses all the 
American settlers in the vicinity of San Francisco Bay, captures 
a Mexican fort and garrison, 9 cannon and 250 musket s, at 
Sonoma Pass (15), and advancing to Sonoma, defeats the Mexi- 
can Gen. Castro, driving the Mexicans from that region; the 
American Californians, under his leadership, declare them- 
selves independent (5 July), and place him at the head of their 
affairs; Commodore Sloat bombards and captures Monterey (7), 
and Commodore Montgomery takes possession of San Francisco 
(9); Commodore Stockton arrives (15), and with Fremont's force 
captures Los Angeles (17 Aug.); Gen. Kearney pushes forward 
to that city, and unites (27 Dec.) with Stockton and Fremont for 
the conquest of California. 

While these events are in progress, Congress declares (11 
May) that by the act of the Republic of Mexico, a state of war 
exists between that Government and the U. S. ; authorizes the 







General Taylor at Buena Vista. 




Stonewall Jackson at Bull Run, 



History of the, United States. 

President to raise 50,000 troops, and (13) appropriates $10,000,000- 
to cany on the war; the Mexican Congress declares war against 
the U. S. (23); Santa Anna emerges from exile in Cuba, is per- 
mitted by President Polk to pass the blockade, and, reaching 
the city of Mexico (15 Sept.), declines the proffered Presidency 
and assumes the military command. 

At a council of war (15 May), the Secretary of War and Gen- 
Scott plan a great campaign for the army and navy; the Gen. 
proposes to attack Mexico with a fleet on the Pacific Coast, to 
invade New Mexico from Fort Leavenworth, and Old Mexico 
on the North from Texas. 

The President sends a message to Congress (4 Aug.) propos- 
ing to open negotiations with Mexico, and asking an appropria- 
tion of money for the purchase of Mexican Territory if such 
shall prove essential to peace; a bill appropriating $2,000,000 
for the purpose is offered in the House, to which Mr. Wilmot, 
of Penn., moves a proviso, declaring that slavery shall never 
exist in any part of the Territory so acquired, but both Houses of 
Congress adjourn without disposing of it. 

At Matamoras, Gen. Taylor receives reinforcements and pre- 
pares to march into the interior; he sends the first division of 
his army, under Gen. Worth, toward Monterey (20 May), and 
himself follows, with over 6,000 men (3 Sept.); the whole army 
encamps before the city (19); Gen. Worth opens the attack 
(20); on the following day it is renewed and several fortified 
heights are taken; the heights above the Bishop's Palace are 
taken (22); the defences in the lower part of the city are evacu- 
ated that night; a frightful carnage occurs in the upper part of 
the city, lasting all day (23); the city is surrendered by Gen. 
Ampudia to Gen. Taylor (24); the American loss amounts to 12 
officers and 108 men killed, 39 officers and 337 men wounded; 
the Mexican loss is much heavier; an armistice of eight weeks, 
subject to be revoked by either Government, is allowed by Gen. 
Taylor. 

Our Government orders the termination of the armistice at 
Monterey (13 Nov.); two days later Gen. Worth takes posses 
sion of Saltillo; leaving Gen. Butler in command at Monterey, 
Gen. Taylor leads a march toward Victoria, with a view of 
attacking Tampico, on the coast, but, learning that Commodore 
Conner had captured it (14) with his squadron, he returns to 
Monterey; Gen. Wool joins Gen. Worth at Saltillo (20 Dec), 
and Gen. Taylor takes possession of Victoria nine days later. 

The difficulties between the U. S. and Great Britain on the 
Oregon question are settled by a new treaty, according to which 
the northern boundary of the Territory is to be 49* N. lat. 

The Legislature of 111. revokes the charter of the Mormon 
settlement at Nauvoo, and Brigham Young leads an advance 
party in search of a new habitation. 

Capt. Biddle, U.S.Navy, sent to Japan with two vessels of war 
to open commercial relations, is refused negotiations. 

During the year, 619 U. S. patents are issued; the most im- 
portant are to Elias Howe for a sewing machine; Prof. Morse, 
for his magnetic telegraph; Royal E. House, for a magnetic 
letter printing telegraph; Benj. F. Palmer, N. H., for artificial 



]66 History of the United States. 

1846, legs and feet; and C. T. Jackson andW. T. G. Morton, Boston, 
for a combination of ether and other substances to prevent pain 
in surgical operations. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $27,632,282: 
the debt is $16,750,926; the value of imports, $121 ,591,797; and 
of exports, $113,488,516. 

1847. Col. Fremont remains at Santa Barbara recruiting until 3 Jan.; 

he is informed (11) that Commodore Stockton lias retaken Los 
Angeles; two days later, Mexican officers come to his camp to 
treat for peace; after a long consultation an agreement is signed 
(13) between Col. Fremont and Andres Pico, Chief of the 
national forces of California, at Couenga, which terminates the 
war as far as California is concerned. The trouble that has been 
brewing between Col. Fremont and Gen. Kearney, on the ques- 
tion of their relative rank, now increases; Fremont is the choice 
of Commodore Stockton and the conquered Californians for 
Governor, a position which Gen. Kearney claims by reason of 
superior rank; Fremont, having acted with Stockton, recognizes 
that officer in preference to Kearney. At this time it was uni- 
versally recognized by officers of the U. S. Army and Navy, that, 
while in a foreign port, the commanding officer of the Navy 
ranked above the commanding officer of the Army, in which 
case Stockton was Kearney's superior, and Fremont was not 
merely justified, but in duty bound to recognize that fact. 
Kearney goes to Monterey and in conjunction with Commodore 
Sanbrick assumes (8 Feb.) the office of Governor and proclaims 
the annexation of California; Fremont is ordered to Washing- 
ton, D. C, for trial on charges preferred by Kearney (22 Aug.), 
where he reports (17 Sept.); the trial opens 2 Nov., and proceeds 
until after the close of the year; between the date of reporting 
himself and the opening of the trial, he is presented by the 
citizens of Charleston, 8. C, Avith a costly gold and silver 
mounted sword in recognition of his eminent services in Oregon 
and California. 

Gen. Scott, ordered to the chief command of all the forces in 
Mexico and to conduct an expedition against Vera Cruz, reaches 
the llio Grande (1 Jan.), makes a rendezvous at Lobos Island, 
and lands an army of 13,000 men near Vera Cruz (9 March); 
the city is at once invested under the engineering direction of 
Col. Totten; Scott summons the town and fortress to surrender 
(18), and meeting with refusal, opens a terrific bombardment 
from his batteries and the fleet; Gen. Landers makes overtures 
for peace (26), and articles of capitulation are signed and 
exchanged (27); Gen. Scott takes possession and raises the U. 
S. Hag over the walls of the city and the strong castle of San 
Juan d'Ulloa (29); 5,000 prisoners and 400 pieces of artillery 
.are captured with the city; the Americans have about 40 men 
killed, and the same number wounded, while the Mexicans 
estimate their loss in killed at 1,000. 

Gen. Taylor forms a camp of 5,000 men at AguaNueva, near 
Saltillo (Feb.), and learns (20) that SantaAnna, with 20,000 troops, 
has arrived within 30 miles of him; Taylor immediately breaks 
camp and falls back to Buena Vista, where lie posts his army in 
a very strong position; the Mexicans appear on his front (22) 



History of the United States. 

and demand his surrender; Taylor declines; slight skirmishing 
follows : the Mexicans attempt (23) to force the American lines 
by charging repeatedly, but are completely repulsed, and after 
fiercely fighting throughout the day, the Americans remain 
masters 01 the field; during the night the Mexicans abandon 
camp and retreat towards San Luis Potosi; the American loss 
in killed and wounded is 723, that of the Mexicans 2,000. 

Col. Doniphan, who, at the head of 1,000 Missouri volunteers, 
had forced the Nevada Indians to make a treaty of peace, 
invades the Mexican State of Chihuahua, defeats a Mexican 
force at Bracito, and hastens to join Gen. Wool; at the Pass of 
Sacramento his little band is confronted (28 Feb.) by 4,000 
Mexicans, whom he completely routs; pressing forward, he 
takes possession of the important city of Chihuahua (2 March), 
and raises his flag on its citadel. s 

Gen. Scott allows his army a few days for rest, and (8 ilpril), 
with an advanced force under Gen. Twiggs, begins the memor- 
able march upon the city of Mexico, via Jalapa, Perote, and 
Puebla; at the mountain pass of Cerro Gardo the army 
encounters a Mexican force of from 12,000 to 15,000 men, under 
the personal command of Santa Anna; the Americans, num- 
bering 8,500, boldly attack the strongly entrenched enemy (18), 
and in a few hours carry all the batteries and entrenchments by 
storm; the Mexicans flee, leaving in the hands of the victors 
3,000 prisoners, from 4.000 to 5,000 stand of arms, and 43 
pieces of artillery; the Americans lose in the engagement 431 
in killed and wounded; this victory is followed by the surren- 
der of the city of Jalapa (19) and of Perote, with its fortress, 
on the summit of the Cordilleras (22); the ancient walled and 
fortified city of Puebla, the most important in the country after 
the capital and Vera Cruz, is entered in triumph (15 May), and 
here a rest is taken, while reinforcements and supplies are being 
forwarded to the heroic army. Within two months, this army of 
10,000 men has taken many of the most strongly fortified places 
on the continent, and captured 10,000 prisoners, 700 pieces of 
artillery, 10,000 stand of arms, and 30,000 shells and cannon- 
balls. 

Having received reinforcements, Gen. Scott arranges his avail- 
able force of 10,748 men in four divisions, with a cavalry brig- 
ade (6 Aug.); Gen. Worth is assigned to the command of the 
first division, Gen. Twiggs the second, Gen. Pillow the thud, 
Gen. Quitman the fourth, and Col. Harney the cavalry; Gen. 
Twiggs begins the march (7), the other divisions following, 8, 
9, 10; the grand duel for possession of the capital city opens 
(20), when two sanguinary engagements are fought; in the 
battle of Contreras 4,500 Americans assault, and in less than 
twenty minutes drive 7,000 Mexicans from their intrenchments, 
killing 700 and taking 813 prisoners; in the battle of Churu- 
busco, Antonio yields first, then Churubusco itself; Santa Anna 
abandons the field and flees to the capital; thus in one day, the 
Americans defeat an army of 32,000 men, make 3,000 prison- 
ers, including eight generals, of whom two are ex-Presidents. 
and 205 other officers, killed or wounded 4,000 of all ranks, and 



168 History of the United States. 

1847. captured 37 pieces of ordnance, at a total loss of 1,058 in killed 
and wounded. 

At this juncture, an armistice Is granted Santa Anna (23), and 
Nicholas Trist, a special commissioner from the President, 
undertakes negotiations with the Mexicans for peace; the Mexi- 
cans violate the terms of the armistice by electing new fortifi- 
cations, whereupon (7 Sept.) Gen. Scott resumes hostilities; a 
division under Gen. Worth (3,200 men) carries by storm the 
position of El Molino del Key, held by Santa Anna with 14,000 
men (8), inflicting a loss of 3,000 in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, at a total loss of 800. Now, only Chepultepec stands 
between the Americans and the Mexican capital; Scott attacks 
its lofty heights (12) with his batteries, and (13) orders a charge; 
the enemy are routed with great slaughter, Gen. Quitman pur- 
suing them up to the gates of the capital; Santa Anna, the 
Congress, and Members of the Government flee from the city 
during the night, and (J.OOO Americans, with Gen. Scott at their 
head, enter and take possession (14) without molestation ; Santa 
Anna makes an effort to retrieve his misfortunes, but is defeated 
at Huamantla and Atlixco (18 Oct.), deserted by his troops, 
stripped of all authority, and forced to fly for his life; negotia- 
tions for peace are at once begun, but no results are obtained 
up to the close of the year. 

Congress authorizes the issue of Treasury Notes and thenego. 
tiation of a loan to the amount of $28,000,000. 
Indianapolis, Ind., becomes a city, 1 May. 
An Indian outbreak occurs at Walla Waila, Oregon (Nov. 29), 
during which a number of Americans are killed and over 50 
taken captive; troops are speedily raised, and the Indians are 
thoroughly routed after several sharp engagements. 

Of the 572 U. S. patents granted during the year, the most 
important is that to Richard M. Hoe, for a cylinder printing- 
press. 

The existence of zinc, in paying quantities, is reported in 
Lehigh County, Penn. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $G0, 520,851; 
the debt is |38,926,623; the value of imports, $140,545,038; and 
of exports, $158,648,622. 
1848. Col. Fremont closes his defence before the Court-Martial, 26 Jan.; 
a verdict of guilty is rendered (31), and the accused is sentenced 
to be dismissed theservice: the President approves the sentence, 
but in view of Fremont's previous meritorious and valuable 
services, he remits the penalty of dismissal, and orders him to 
be released, to resume his sword, and to report for duty; con- 
scious of not having done anything to merit the finding of the 
Court, Fremont resigns his commission in the army (19 Feb.), 
and with a name indelibly associated with the historical, geo- 
graphical, scientific, and political history of his country, he 
retires to private life at the age of 34 years; in Oct. he sets out 
on his fourth exploring expedition, at his own expense, and 
with a view of establishing a home in the new State he bad so 
recently emancipated. 

The Mexican Congress concludes a treaty of peace (2 Feb.) 
with the U. S. s at Guadaloupe Hidalgo; a lonij debate follows 



Mistory of the United States. 

1848. Its submission to our Senate, and it is materially amended, 
and in that form ratified; the Mexican Senate adopts it (25 
May), and President Polk proclaims it, 4 July; the treaty pro- 
vides for the cession of Upper California and New Mexico to 
the U. S., and the payment by the latter of $3,000,000 in hand, 
and $12,000,000 hi four annual instalments, besides assuming 
such debts as are due by Mexico to American citizens, to the 
amount of $3,500,000. 

While enlarging the race-way of a water-wheel connected 
with Capt. John A. Sutter's saw-mill in the valley of the Sacra- 
mento, John Marshall discovers virgin gold in the loose earth 
(Feb.). 

Ex-President John Quincy Adams is stricken with paralysis 
in the House of Representatives, 22 Feb., and dies the follow- 
ing^ day. 

The National Democratic Convention meets at Baltimore, 22 
May; Andrew Stevenson, of Va., is elected President, and the 
two-thirds rule adopted ; Gen. Lewis Cass is nominated for the 
Presidency on the fourth ballot by 179 votes to 38 for Mr. 
Woodbury, 33 Mr. Buchanan, and 3 Gen. Worth ; Gen. 
William O. Butler, of Ky., receives all the votes cast for Vice- 
President. 

The Territory of Wisconsin, according to the boundary of 
6 Aug., 1846, is admitted to the Union as a State by Act of 29 
May. 

The Whig National Convention meets in Philadelphia, 7 June; 
John C. Morehead, of N. C, is elected President; much con- 
fusion prevails because the mass of the party favor the Wilmot 
Anti-Slavery proviso; Gen. Taylor, who is regarded as an 
available candidate, refuses to pledge himself to Whig prin- 
ciples, and the friends of Mr. Clay are determined upon his 
nomination; the second ballot (9) results in the choice of Gen. 
Taylor by 171 votes, to 30 for Mr. Clay, 63 Gen. Scott, and 12 
Daniel Webster; Millard Fillmore, of N. Y., is nominated for 
Vice-President. 

A State Convention of Barnburners is held at Utica. N. V. 
(22, 23 June), Hon. Samuel Young presiding; notwithstanding 
Mr. Van Buren's refusal to be a Presidential candidate again, 
he is unanimously nominated, with Hemy Dodge, of Wis. 
(who declines), for Vice-President. 

A National Convention of the Friends of Free Territory 
assembles at Buffalo, N. Y. (9 Aug.), nearly all the free and 
three of the slave States being represented; Charles Francis 
Adams, Mass., is chosen President, and strong anti-slavery 
resolutions are adopted: Mr. Van Buren receives the nomina- 
tion for President, with Mr. Adams for Vice-President. 

By Act of Congress (14 Aug.), the Territory of Oregon is 
formed out of the French cession, with an area of 288,345 
square miles. 

About 300 buildings and property, valued at $1,500,000, in 
the business portion of Brooklyn, N. Y., are destroyed by fire, 
9 September. 

Boston begins using the Cochituate water- works system, 25 
October. 



170 History of the United States. 

1848. A canal connecting Lake Michigan with the Illinois River, at 
La Salle, is opened to navigation. 

A submerged cable, coated with gutta-percha as an experi- 
ment, is laid across the Hudson River, being a portion of the 
telegraph service between New York and Philadelphia. 

A suspension bridge, with a span of 1010 feet is completed 
over the Ohio River at Wheeling. 

Of the Presidential electors chosen (Nov.), 163 give their 
votes for Taylor and Fillmore, and 127 for Cass and Butler; Ex- 
President Van Buren, the Free Soil candidate, receives 291,455 
popular votes, but no electoral; tliirty States vote this year, 
having 290 electors. 

The number of U. S. patents this year amount to 660; 
the most important are, to Horace H. Day, for a machine for 
preparing gutta-percha fabrics in imitation of leather; to William 
Easby, for a method of converting fine coal into solid lumps: 
and to Henry P. Westcott, for a machine that will point as well 
as punch wooden pegs. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $60,655,143: 
the debt is $48,526,879; the value of imports, $154,998,928; and 
of exports, |1S4,082,181. 

1849. Col. Fremont reaches Taos, New Mexico, in Jan., after a, most 

perilous experience from the time he left Pueblos on the Upper 
Arkansas; leaving Socorro, Rio del Norte, (24 Feb.), lie makes 
his way into California to look after his Mariposas estate, and 
while engaged in searching for gold, he receives from President 
Taylor the appointment of Commissioner to run the boundary 
line between the U. S. and Mexico. Gen. Riley, the Military 
Governor of California, establishes a judicial system (Aug.), and 
appoints Peter H. Burnet, Chief Justice; he also summons a 
convention of delegates to assemble in Monterey to form a State 
Constitution; the citizens forestall him by meeting at San Fran- 
cisco, voting against the admission of Slavery into the Territory, 
and laying the ground-work for a Constitution; the Monterey 
Convention is held 1 Sep., and a Constitution excluding slavery 
forever, is adopted; under this constitution, Edward Gilbert 
and G. H. Wright are elected delegates to the national House 
of Representatives; the Territorial Legislature meets at San 
Jose, inaugurates Judge Burnet as Governor, and (21 Dec.) 
elects Col. Fremont and William M. Gwin, U. S. Senators. 

California starts her first banking institution at San Franeisco, 
9 Jan. 

The U. S. S. Preble, sailing (Feb.) under orders to effect the 
release of a party of American sailors, shipwrecked on one of 
the Japan Islands, and subsequently imprisoned, succeeds only 
after threatening bombardment. 

By Act of Congress (3 March) Minnesota is forme^ as a Ter- 
ritory out of land east of the Mississippi River ceded by Great 
Britain, which for some years had been a part of the Ter- 
ritories of Iowa and Wisconsin; area, 165,491 square miles. 

A portion of the city of New Orleans is laid waste by an 
unusually severe fiood (March), which causes a damage of about 
160,000,000. 

Gen. Zachary Taylor is inaugurated twelfth President of the 



History of the United States. 171 

1849. U. S., 5 March; his Message is very brief, pledging himself to 
enforce a strict accountability on the part of all officers of the 
Government, and the utmost economy in all public expenditures. 
The President selects the following gentlemen for his Cabinet: 
John M. Clayton, Del., Secretary of State; William M. Mere- 
dith, Penn., Secretary of the Treasury; Thomas Evving, Ohio, 
Secretary of the Interior; George W. Crawford, Ga., Secretary 
of War; William B. Preston, Va., Secretary of the Navy; 
Jacob Collamer, Vt., Postmaster-General; Reverdy Johnson, 
Attorney-General . 

The rivalry between Edwin Forrest, the American tragedian, 
and Mr. Macready, the eminent English actor, is made the 
occasion for a popular outbreak (10 - May) while the latter is 
playing Macbeth in the new Astor Place Opera House, New 
York; a mob surrounds the building and attempts to prevent 
the performance; incensed at opposition, threats are made to 
burn the building, and Mayor Woodhull is compelled to call out 
the militia; fair warning being given and the mob paying no 
heed thereto, the military are ordered to fire; at the first volley 
the crowd turns upon the militia, and severely wounds nearly 
200; the rioting lasts several hours, and before it r suppressed 
several hundred persons are killed and wounded. « 

The business portion of St. Louis is destroyed by fire, 17 
May, involving a loss of $3,000,000. ' 

Father Theobald Matthew, the great Irish Temperance 
Reformer, lands in New York (June), and begins a series of 
public lectures remarkable for their grand results. 

The Sun, Herald, Tribune, Express, Journal of Commerce, 
Courier, and Enquirer, form a syndicate for gathering news, 
under the name of the New York Associated Press. 

A number of leading cities are visited this summer by the 
Asiatic cholera; it is particularly virulent at New Orleans, New 
York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Nashville, Buffalo, Chicago, and 
Boston, the deaths in New York alone numbering 5,071. 

A great overland movement of miners, speculators, and 
adventurers sets in from the eastern and northern States (Sep.) 
for the newly discovered gold mines of California. 
Edwin Booth makes his debut as an actor at Boston, 10 Sep. 
Elizabeth Blackwell receives from the Geneva (N. Y.) Medi- 
cal College the first doctor's diploma granted to a woman in 
this country. 

Congress assembles (3 Dec); the organization of the House 
is delayed for twenty days, during which sixty-three ballots are 
taken, before a choice for Speaker is effected; the contest is 
chiefly between Robert C. Winthrop, Whig, Speaker of the 
preceding Congress, and Howell Cobb, of Ga.; the two parties 
are very evenly represented, but the Free Soil Democrats cast 
their vote for Mr. Wilmot; after many ballots have been taken, 
it is determined to end the contest by a plurality vote, and on 
the next ballot Mr. Cobb receives 102 votes; Mr. Winthrop, 
99; scattering, 20, of which Mr. Wilmot receives 8. 

The provisional Government of the people of Deseret (Mor- 
mons) send a memorial to Congress, accompanied by a Constitu. 



172 History of the United States. 

1849. tion and form of State Government, asking admission as a 
State, or, in ease of refusal, to be formed into a Territory. 

During this year 1,076 U.S. patents are issued, the moat import- 
ant of which is that to George II. Corliss for an improvement 
in working the valves of steam engines. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $50,386,422; 
the debt is $04,704,693; the value of imports, $147,857,439; 
and of exports, $145,755,820. 
".350. A number of Bills are introduced into Congress for organizing 
Territorial Governments in California, Deseret, and New 
Mexico, and strong efforts are made to prohibit the extension 
of slavery; at length (29 Jan.) Mr. Clay submits compromise 
resolutions, proposing an amicable arrangement of the whole 
slavery controversy; the resolutions are opposed by the South- 
ern Members, as making no concession to the South, and Mr. 
Calhoun asserts that the Union is in danger because of the dis- 
content at the South; Mr. Webster, in a great speech, details 
the grievances of the North; Mr. Bell, of Tenn., presents a 
series of resolutions (28 Feb.) on the same subject, which" are 
referred (17 April) to a select committee, of whom Mr. Clay is 
Chairman; the committee reports, (8 May) favoring the im- 
mediate admission of California, the establishment of Terri- 
torial Governments, without the Wilmot proviso, for New Mexico 
and Utah; the enactment of laws to secure the delivery of 
fugitive slaves escaping into the free States, and the prohibition 
of slavery in the District of Columbia; the Utah Territorial 
Bill passes (31 July); The Texas Boundary Bill passes, Senate, 
10 Aug., the New Mexico Bill, Senate, 14; both Bills are com- 
bined in the House, and pass Sept.; the Bill to admit Califor- 
nia, passes Senate 13 Aug.; House 17 Sept. ; the Fugitive Slave 
Bill passes both Houses 23 Aug.; the Bill for prohibiting 
Slavery in the District of Columbia — the last of the "Omnibus 
Bill "—passes Senate 14 Sept. and tlve House, 17; Congress 
adjourns 30 Sept.; the compromise acts are the chief features 
of this long Session. 

John C. Calhoun dies in Washington, D. C, 31 March. 

A Convention assembles in Philadelphia, 1 April, called for 
the purpose of promoting the construction of a national road 
to the Pacific Ocean, through the Territories of the U. S.; Col. 
Fremont, too ill to accept an invitation to be present, gives his 
views on the project in a long letter; he describes the country 
vividly, and proposes the belt of country lying between the 38th 
and 39th parallels of latitude as the most practicable for the 
projected road. 

Gen. Lopez, a native of Cuba, organizes an expedition in 
New Orleans, and invades Cuba (Cardenas, 19 April), expecting 
to head a revolution and wrest tlie island from Spain; failing 
to receive the support on the island he had anticipated, he 
returns to the U. S. and secretly begins preparations for a 
stronger invasion. 

Great alarm being felt as to the /«te of Sir John Franklin, 
an English Arctic explorer, who sailed in May, 1845, in search 
of a north-west passage from Europe to the West Indies, and 
of whom nothing has since been heard, Mr. Henry Grinnell, of 



History of the United States. \*fy 

. New York, at his own expense, sends two ships in search of 
him (May), under command of Lieut. DeHaven, U. S. Navy. 

A treaty between the U. S. and Great Britain, providing for 
the establishment of a communication between the Atlantic 
and Pacific Oceans, by means of a ship canal, to be constructed 
by way of the River San Juan de Nicaragua and either or both 
of the Lakes of Nicaragua or Maragua, to any part or place on 
the Pacific Ocean, \s promulgated by the President, 4 July. It 
is known as " the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty." 

President Taylor dies in the executive mansion, 9 July. 

Vice-President Fillmore takes the oatli of office as President, 
in the presence of both Houses of Congress, 10 July; on the 
following day he is succeeded as President of the Senate by 
Senator King, of Ala. 

The new President reconstructs the Cabinet (15 July) as fol- 
lows: Daniel Webster, Secretary of State; Thomas Corwin, of 
Ohio, Secretary of the Treasury; Charles M. Conrad, of La., 
Secretary of War; William A. Graham, Secretary of the Navy; 
Alexander H. H. Stuart, of Penn., Secretary of the Interior; 
Nathan K. Hall, of N. Y., Postmaster-General; John J. Crit- 
tenden, of Ky., Attorney-General. 

Brigham Young, President of the Twelve Apostles, -prophet 
and revelator of the Mormons, is appointed Governor of the 
new Territory of Utah. 

For the first time in its history, the Federal Government 
makes an attempt to ascertain the exact development of the 
productive industries of the country, leaving out all establish- 
ments that do not produce at least $500 per annum; the fact is 
revealed that the capital invested in manufactures exceeds 
$550,000,000, and that the annual product has reached the sum 
of $1,019,000,000. 

The rates of postage are reduced to three cents on prepaid 
single letters, for a distance of 3,000 miles, and five cents if 
not prepaid; and double these rates for any greater distance. 

This is a memorable year in the operatic andc heatrical circles 
of New York; Mr. F. B. Conway, the English actor, makes his 
appearance (19 Aug.); Mile. Jenny Lind arrives (1 Sep.), and 
gives her first concert in Castle Garden, 7; Teresa Parodi 
appears at the Astor Place Opera House, 4 Nov.; and Mme. 
Ponisi begins her first engagement at the Broadway Theatre. 
11 Nov. 

Richard M. Johnson, Vice-President of the U. S. with Presi- 
dent Van Buren, dies at Frankfort, Ky., 19 Nov. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $44,604,718; 
the debt is $64,228,238; the value of imports, $178,138,318; 
and of exports, $151,898,790. 
The Chevalier Hulseman, Austrian Minister to the U. S., issues 
a written protest against the policy of the U. S. in relation to 
the action of Austria against the Hungarians, to which Daniel 
Webster, Secretary of State, makes a vigorous reply, Jan. 

A World's Fair, held in an enormous building of glass and 
iron, erected in Hyde Park, London, under royal patronage, is 
opened by Queen Victoria, 1 May. 

A large part of the business portion of San Francisco, em- 



174 History of the United States. 

1861. bracing 2,500 buildings, is destroyed by fire, 8 May, entailing a 
loss of 13,500,000; a second fire, 22 June, destroys 500 buildings, 
causing a loss of $3,000,000. 

The increase in the number of States and Territories has so 
swelled the size of Congress that the Legislative halls are found 
Inadequate for the proper discharge of public business; an 
enlargement of the Capitol building having been authorized, 
the President lays the corner-stone of an addition, 4 July. 

Gen. Lopez renews the Cuban excitement in New Orleans, 
July; early in Aug., he sails from that city with nearly 500 
followers, and lands (11) on the northern coast of the island; 
leaving Col. W. L. Crittenden, of Ky., in command there, with 
100 men, he proceeds with the remainder of his party to tho 
interior; the Crittenden party are captured, taken to Havana, 
and executed (10); Lopez is attacked (13), his followers desert 
him, he is arrested (18), taken to Havana, and garrotted (1 Sep.). 

The Pro-Slavery Party in California gain such an ascendency, 
that in the fall elections Col. Fremont is no longer in the ma- 

Jority, and a combination to prevent liis re-election to the^U. S. 
Senate is successfully made. 

Louis Kossuth, ex-Governor of Hungary, Is permitted to 
emerge from exile at Kutahai, Asia Minor, and embarks (1 Sep.) 
on the U. S. S. Mississippi, selected, according to an Act of 
Congress, to bring the noted general to the U. S. ; he is 
refused permission to travel through Fiance, and leaving the 
the ship at Gibraltar, where he is handsomely received, he 
makes a brief visit to London, sails for the U. S. (21 Nov.), and 
lands at New York 5 Dec; he is banquetted in New York, pre- 
sented to the President at Washington (31), and to the end of 
his visit is treated with marked distinction. 

An unprecedented emigration to the West sets in this year; 
the Government enlarges the domain of available agricultural 
land by purchasing several millions of acres in Minnesota from 
the Upper and Lower Sioux Indians; removes the Indians to 
another reservation, and opens the rich wilderness to white 
settlers. 

Serious troubles are brewing in Utah; Governor Young and 
all the Mormon officers openly defy the Federal "laws, 
and endeavor to thwart the U. S. authorities in executing 
them ; remonstrances are sent to Washington against 
Brigham Young's hostile conduct by Federal officials, and his 
prompt removal from office is urged. 

The rush to the California gold mines is unabated; gambling 
and deeds of violence are increasing at a fearful rate; so much 
lawlessness has been displayed in San Francisco of late, that 
reputable citizens have, in self protection, formed a Vigilance 
Committee, to rid the eoinniunity of the dangerous characters 
who throng the streets. 

Another great canal from Lake Erie, extending from Toledo 
to Evansville, Ind., on the Ohio River, 467 miles, is completed 
and opened to navigation. 

Lola Montes, a dancer of European celebrity, makes her first 
appearance in the U. S., in New York, 29 Dec. % 

The national expenses for the year amount to $48,476,101; 



History of the United States, 

1851. the debt is $62,560,395; the value of imports, $216,224,933: 
and of exports, $218,388,011. 

1852. At the close of the Session of Congress (March) an appropriation 

is made for the survey of three routes to the Pacific Ocean, 
with the view of obtaining further information as a basis of 
legislation for a national highway between the Mississippi val- 
ley and that ocean; as soon as Col. Fremont, now in Paris, 
hears of this action, he determines to return, fit out an expedi- 
tion on his own account, and complete the survey of the route 
which he had taken on his last journey, which he believes the 
only practicable route for a national road. 

The Austrian Minister to the U. S., formally protests against 
the reception of Louis Kossuth by Congress; no notice being 
taken of his protest he retires from his post, leaving his official 
affairs in the hands of August Belmont, of New York. 

A formal proposition for a joint agreement of perpetual 
renunciation, on the part of Great Britain, France, and the U. 
S. respectively, of any annexation designs on Cuba, is presented 
to our Government, 23 April; Edward Everett, the new Secre- 
tary of State, makes a lengthy reply, 1 Dec, rejecting the over- 
ture. 

The National Democratic Convention is held in Baltimore, 
assembling 1 June; Hon. John W. Davis, of Tnd., ex-Speaker 
in Congress, is chosen president; the two-thirds rule is again 
adopted; several days are spent in balloting for candidates; 
Franklin Pierce, of N. H., receives the unanimous vote, on the 
forty-ninth ballot, as Presidential nominee, and William R. 
King, Ala., is nominated for Vice-President. 

The Whig National Convention is held in Baltimore, begin- 
ning 10 June; John G. Chapman, of Md., is chosen president; 
on the fourth day of the session and on the fifty-third ballot 
the result is: Gen. Scott, 159; Millard Fillmore, 112; and Daniel 
Webster, 21, Gen. Scott having a majority; William A. Gra- 
ham, of N. C., is nominated for Vice-President. 

Henry Clay, on account of feeble health, resigns his seat in 
the U. S. Senate, to take effect 6 Sept., but dies 29 June, at the 
age of 75. 

The steamboat Henry Clay, plying on the Hudson River 
between Albany and New York, undertakes a race with an 
opposition boat, 27 July, despite the protests of the passengers, 
and when near Yonkers, takes fire and is burned to the water's 
edge, involving a loss of over seventy lives by drowning and 
the flames. 

The nominating Convention of the Free Soil Democracy is 
held at Pittsburg, Penn., 11 Aug.; John P. Hale, of N. H., 
receives the nomination for President, and George W. Julian, 
of Ind., that for Vice-President. 

Considerable excitement is developed dining the summer by 
the Canadian charge that American fishers are violating the 
treaty of 1818 by casting their nets within the three-mile limits 
of the shores; the British Government claims the right to draw 
a line from head land to head land of the bays in its Canadian 
possessions, and to exclude Americans from the waters within 
that line; as an armed naval force has been posted to .sustain 



History of the United States. 

1862. this claim and seize any American vessel that does not comply, 
the U. S. semis the Princeton ami Fulton, steam war-vessels, to 
the coast of Nova Scotia to protect American fishermen. 

Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, dies at Marahfield, Mass., 
24 Oct., aged 70. 

Hon. Edward Everett is appointed Secretary of State to sue- 
ceed Daiuiel Webster. 

The city of Sacramento, Cal., is visited by a fire, 2 Nov., 
which, burning over forty blocks, consumes 2,500 buildings, 
maimly residences, destroying property of an estimated value 
of over $5,000,000. 

The popular vote in the Presidential election gives Pierce 
1,001,274; Scott, 1,386,580; Hale, 155,825; Pierce over Scott, 
214,094; over Scott and Hale together, 58,890; in the electoral 
college Pierce receives 254 votes, Seott, 42, Hale none. 

Boston has adopted a method of communicating fire alarms 
by means of the magnetic telegraph. 

Willard P. Hall, of Mo., submits a bill in the House (Con- 
gress), organizing the Territory of Platte, comprising a vast 
region westward of Missouri and Iowa, 13 Dec, and the bill 
is referred to the Committee on Territories; Mr. Atchison, of 
Mo., intimates (15 Dec.) that there is a Southern combination 
to prevent the organization, westward of the Missouri, of a 
new Territory in which slavery will be prohibited. 

The Government has begun the experiment of using lenses 
instead of reflectors in its lighthouses. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $46,712,008; 
the debt is $65,130,692; the value of imports, $212,945,442; 
and of exports, $209,658,366. 
1853. William A. Richardson, of 111., from the House Committee on 
Territories, to which was referred Mr. Hall's bill for organizing 
the Territory of Platte, reports (2 Feb.) a bill to organize the 
Territory of Nebraska, covering the same region; in the Com- 
mittee of the Whole, the bill encounters strong Southern 
opposition, and (10) is reported from the Committee with a 
recommendation that it be rejected; the bill passes the House, 
and going to the Senate is laid on the table, 3 March. 

By Act of 2 March, Washington Territory is formed from 
the Territory of Oregon, witb an area of 193,071 square miles. 

Franklin Pierce is inaugurated fourteenth President of the 
U. S., 4 March] hi bis Message be states that it is unlikely any 
institutions of the States will be endangered if the Govern- 
ment confines itielf to its constitutional powers; beholds that 
the compromise measures of 1850 are strictly constitutional and 
to be unhesitatingly carried into elicit; and believes that 
involuntary slavery is recognized by the Constitution, and that 
the States where 'it exists are entitled to efficient" remedies to 
enforce the constitutional provisions. 

The President appoints the following cabinet officers: Wm. L. 
Marcy, N. Y.. Secretary of State ; James Guthrie, Ky., Secre- 
tary of the Treasury; "Robert McClelland. Mich., Secretary of 
the Interior; Jefferson Davis, Miss., Secretary of War; James 
C. Dobbin, N. C, Secretary of the Navy; James Campbell, 




G. G. Meade. W. S. Hancock. 

Federal Generals. 



History of the United States. 177 

Penn., Postmaster-General; and Caleb Cushing, Mass., Attor- 
ney-General. 

Vice-President William R. King dies 18 April, aged 68. 

The Government sends four men-of-war and a supply ship 
from Norfolk, Va. (May), the whole under command of Capt. 
Ringgold, U. S. Navy, to the eastern coast of Asia, via Cape 
Horn, for the purpose of exploring those regions of the Pacific 
Ocean which it is believed will soon be traveled by merchant- 
men between our Pacific ports and the East Indies, and the 
whaling grounds of the Kamtchatka Sea and Behring's Straits. 

Another expedition is fitted out during the summer, consist- 
ing of seven men-of-war, under the command of Commodore 
Perry, for the purpose of carrying a letter from the President 
to the Emperor of Japan, soliciting the negotiation of a treaty 
of friendship and commerce between the two nations, and the 
opening of Japanese ports to American vessels for trade. <' 

Mr. Henry Grinned announces his wish to fit out another 
expedition to the Polar regions in search of Sir John Franklin; 
the Government agrees to assist him and places two war-vessel 
at his service; these, under command of Dr. Elisha K. Kane, 
the Surgeon of the first expedition, sail from New York in 
May; at the same time a similar expedition is despatched from 
England. 

Under the Act of Congress authorizing surveys for the con- 
struction of a railroad across the continent, four exploring 
parties get under way during the summer; one is assigned to 
survey from the upper waters of the Mississippi, at St. Paul, to 
Puget's Sound, on the Pacific; a second is to cross the Contin- 
ent from the Mississippi, along the 36 parallel of latitude; a 
third from the same point by way of the Great Salt Lake, in 
Utah; while the fourth takes a course from the Lower Missis- 
sippi to the coast of Southern California, at San Pedro, Los 
Angeles, or San Diego; Col. Fremont leaves Paris (June) for 
the U. S., and starts upon his fifth and last trans-continental 
expedition, at his own expense, with the same object in view 
as the other expeditions (Aug.). 

A World's Fair for the exhibition of the industry of all 
nations, is opened by the President of the U. S., 14th July, at 
the Crystal Palace, on Reservoir Square, near the distributing 
reservoir of the Crotoii Aqueduct, New York. 

The Commissioners appointed by the New York Board of 
Aldermen (5 Aug., 1851) to examine and report upon the 
various sites proposed for a large public park, express a choice 
for the tract of land bounded by Fifty-ninth and One Hundred 
and Sixth Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues, about two 
and a half miles long by half a mile wide, and comprising 
776 71-100 acres; the report is approved, and (23 July) the 
Legislature passes an Act authorizing the purchase of the 
Central Park, and provides (17 Nov.) for the appointment of 
five Commissioners by the Supreme Court to appraise the land. 

John Mitchell, the escaped Irish exile, reaches New York, 
29 Nov., and is given a grand reception in Brooklyn, 8 Dec, 
and in New York, 19. 



178 History of the United States. 

1858. The first exploration of the Isthmus of Darien for a ship- 
canal is made under the direction of William Kennish, of New 
York; the party is sent out by J. C. Provost, Commander of 
the British Steamship Virago, in pursuance of orders from the 
Commander of the British Squadron in the Pacific; a portion of 
the party are murdered by Indians, and the survivors return 
without practical results. 

The first Session of the Thirty-third Congress convenes 5 
Dec.; Lynn Boyd, Democrat, of Ky., is elected' Speaker; 
Senator Dodge, of Iowa, gives notice of a bill to establish the 
Territory of Nebraska (5), introduces it (14), when it is referred 
to the Committee on Territories, whose chairman, Mr. Douglas, 
reports it (15) with material amendments. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $54,577,061; 
the debt is $67,340,628; the value of knports, $267,978,647; and 
of exports, $230,976,157. 
1854. Lieut. Strain, U. S. Navy, starts (Jan.) with a party of twenty 
officers and men to explore the Isthmus of Darien from the 
Atlantic side. 

Senator Douglas, from the Committee on Territories, reports 
a substitute (23 Jan.) for the Nebraska Bill, providing for the 
erection of two Territories, Kansas and Nebraska, to be divided 
on the 40th parallel of latitude, and permitting the inhabitants 
to decide for themselves whether they will have the institution 
of slavery or not, thus annulling the Missouri Compromise of 
1820; heated debate ensues, and public meetings in protestation 
are held throughout the Northern States; the bill passes the 
Senate 3 March, and goes to the House, where it acts as a fire- 
brand during an entire fortnight; the final question is taken 22 
May, and the bill passes; the Senate agrees to it in the amended 
(House) form (25), and it is approved by the President (31). 

Col. Fremont's party, after having lived on horse-flesh for 
fifty days and been without food of any kind for two days, are 
rescued 8 Feb., by Col. Babbit, Secretary of Utah Territory, at 
a point four days' journey from Great Salt Lake; Fremont 
reaches San Francisco, 1 May, greatly enfeebled, and has to 
decline a public dinner. 

The American steamship Black Warrior is seized, 28 Feb., in 
the harbor of Havana, and the vessel and cargo are declared 
confiscated; thePresident sends a messenger to Spam to demand 
immediate redress, but the Spanish Government justifies the 
Cuban authorities; a ] proposition is made in Congress to suspend 
the neutrality laws, when the Captain-General of Cuba releases 
the vessel and cargo on the payment, under protest, of a fine of 
$6,000. 

Chicago completes its great water-works system, Feb. 

A Homestead Bill, providing that any free white citizen, or 
any one who may have declared his intention to become one 
previous to the passage of the Act, may select a quarter section 
(160 acres) of land on the public domain, and by occupying and 
cultivating it live years, may receive a title to it in fee, free of 
cost, is adopted in the House, 3 March; this also leads to a 
lengthy discussion, during which the bill is amended by fixing 
a stkliiig scale of price* of all the public lands, and limiting 




Confederate Generals. 



I. ROBERT E. LEE. 2, T. J. JACKSON. 3. J. E. E. STUARTl 

4. JAMES LONGSTREET. 5. JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON. 



IRstory of the United States, 

the individual claim to two quarter sections, and in this form It 
is adopted by both Houses. 

Having obtained charters from the British Colonial Govern- 
ments for a monopoly of a line of telegraph between Newfound- 
land and the American Continent for a term of fifty years, 
Cyrus W. Field, of New York, organizes the New York, New- 
foundland, and London Telegraph Company, at his residence, 
10 March; the company is composed of Messrs. Peter Cooper, 
Moses Taylor, Marshall 0. Roberts, Chandler White, and Cyrus 
W. Field, with David Dudley Field as legal adviser. 

After Japan had been closed against foreign intercourse, 
commercial and religious, for nearly two centuries, during 
which time many efforts were made by influential nations to 
secure treaties for trade purpose, the country is practically 
reopened, 31 March, when Commodore Perry signs a treaty 
between the U. S. and Japan, amid extraordinary ceremonies 
at Yeddo. 

A fugitive slave named Burns is arrested in Boston (May), 
and a riot ensues; U. S. troops are sent from Rhode Island to 
sustain the officers of the law, and the local militia are called 
out to protect the court and its witnesses; the U. S. Commis- 
sioner decides that the slave must be returned to his owner, 
and, owing to the intense xcitement, Burns is conveyed to 
Virginia in a Government vessel. 

The President issues a proclamation, 1 June, warning all 
persons against taking part in any way in any movement having 
for its object tbe invasion of Cuba. 

Capt. Ericsson makes a model of an iron tower on an 
armored vessel, whici is the first practical design of an iron- 
clad man-of-war. 

An enormous emigration from Missouri to Kansas sefs in 
immediately after the passage of the Territory Act, and this is 
supplemented by streams from the North and East managed by 
emigrant aid societies opposed to the institution of slavery; the 
Eastern and Northern settlers are warned that no abolitionists 
will be tolerated in the Territory. 

A treaty is signed between the U. S. and Mexico fixing the 
boundary-line, and releasing the U. S. from the obligation to 
defend the frontier against the Indians; for this release as well 
as for additional territory ceded by Mexico, the U. S. agrees to 
pay $10,000,000. 

By direction of the President, 16 Aug., Messrs. James 
Buchanan, John Y. Mason, and Pierre Soule, U. S Ministers to 
London. Paris, and Madrid respectively, meet at Ostend, Bel- 
gium, 9 Oct., to confer upon the best means of settling the dif- 
ficulties about Cuba, and obtaining possession of the island; 
they address a letter to the U. S. Government, 18 Oct., from 
Aix-Vi-Chapelle, recommending the purchase of the island if 
possible, and if not, its acquisition by force. 

A terrible ocean disaster occurs 27 Sep., when the steamer 
Arctic from Liverpool, while passing through a dense fog, is 
struck by the iron vessel Vesta; the blow is so damaging to the 
Arctic that she quickly fills with water in spite of the efforts of 



180 History of the United States. 

1854. officers, crew, and passengers, and, after a three hours' strug- 
gle, goes down, carrying with her over 350 persons. 

After years of costly litigation in the U. S. and abroad, Elisa 
Howe is this year rewarded by having his claims, as inventor 
of the sewing-machine, judicially established. 

The Academy of Music, New York, is formally opened 
2 Oct., by Giulia Grisi and Signor Mario, who appear in the 
opera of "Norma." 

A discovery is made that Henry Meigs has forged warranto 
of the City Comptroller of San Francisco for over $1,000,000, 
and has fled the country. 

The President appoints Andrew H. Reeder, of Penn., Gover- 
nor of Kansas, and Daniel Woodson, of Ark., Secretary; they 
reach Fort Leavenworth in Oct.; an election for a Delegate to 
Congress is held (29 Nov.) by the Governor's order, and results 
in the declared choice of John W. Whitfield, a Pro-Slavery 
man, over J. A. Wakefield, a pronounced Free-State man; the 
friends of Wakefield claim the election of Whitfield illegal on 
the ground that several hundred non-residents (Missourians) 
were permitted to vote. 

Preliminary negotiations had been begun between the Gov- 
ernments of the Sandwich Islands and the IT. S., with the view 
of annexing the former to the latter, and a draft of a treaty 
was completed, when King Kamehameha dies, 15 Dec, and the 
new King, his son, immediately closes all negotiations on the 
subject. 

A carefully organized emigration movement to the Mosquito 
Country is developed late in the year; Col. H. L. Kinney leads 
the emigrants to a large tract of country, alleged to have been 
granted to some English subjects by the King, and proceeds to 
settle them; a protest is sent by the Government of Nicara- 
gua to that of the U. S. against this violation of the neutrality 
laws. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $75,473,119; 
the debt is $47,242,200; the value of imports, $304,562,381; 
and of exports, $278,341,064. 
1855. The cities of Brooklyn and Williamsburg and the town of 
Bushwick are consolidated, 1 Jan., making Brooklyn the; third 
city in the Union, with a territory of 22 square miles, and a 
population of 200,000; George Hall, the first Mayor of Brook- 
lyn after its incorporation (i835), is elected first Mayor of the 
consolidated .city. 

Governor Reeder, of Kansas, causes a census of the Territory 
to be taken, Jan. and Feb., which shows there are 8,501 inhabi- 
tants, of whom 2,905 are voters. 

The first trains over the new railroad across the Isthmus of 
Darien are run from Aspinwall to Panama, 28 Jan. 

The first attempt to build a bridge across the Mississippi 
River is successfully accomplished at Minneapolis, Minn., Jan. 
Recruiting for the British Army, now at war with the Rus- 
sians in the Crimea, is being carried on in several of our large 
cities in violation of our neutrality laws; as the British Minister 
to this country appears to be implicated in the matter, the 
President demands his recall; the British Government declines 



History of the United States. 181 

1855. to accede, whereupon the President dismisses the Minister, and 
also the British Consuls at New York, Philadelphia, and Cin- 
cinnati, all of whom are charged with encouraging the enlist- 
ments. 

An election for Members of the Legislative Assembly is held 
in Kansas, 30 March; large companies of men are again sent 
into the Territory from Missouri to vote; the judges who refuse 
to let them vote without being sworn as to then - residence are 
violently thrust out and more willing ones chosen; the Gover- 
nor sets aside many of the returns and orders a new election in 
six districts to be held in May; the Legislature meets at Pawnee 
City, 2 July; seats are refused the Free-State men elected in 
March, and given to those elected in May; two days later a bill 
is passed removing the seat of Government to Shawnee Mission, 
near the Missouri frontier; the Governor vetoes it, but it is 
repassed by a two-thirds majority, upon which (31) the Gover- 
nor is notified of his removal from office. 

The great suspension-bridge across the Niagara River, below 
the Falls, begun in 1852, is completed in March, and opened 
for travel amid international rejoicings. 

The Government despatches an expedition under command 
of Lieut. Hartstein, U. S. Navy, 31 May, to rescue Dr. Kane, 
the Arctic explorer, and his companions, whom it is feared are 
either ice-bound or dead; the expedition returns to New York, 
11 Oct., with Dr. Kane and all his party, except three dead; 
they had been frozen in at the most northerly point of Green- 
land ever reached. 

Col. H. L. Kinney invites William Walker to assist him in 
developing the mineral resources of his Nicaragua grant; Walker 
leaves San Francisco with 300 men, and lands on the Nicara- 
guan coast, 27 June, where he announces his real purpose; the 
next day he attempts to capture the town of Rivas, but failing 
to receive the aid he expected, and being hard pressed by the 
Government troops, he is forced to retreat to the coast, whence 
the party escape in a vessel; he again appears at the head of an 
armed force, in Nicaragua, in Aug.; his party assume indepen- 
dence of Nicai-agua and (5 Sep.) organize a civil government, 
with Col. Kinney as Chief Magistrate; taking advantage of a 
local insurrection, Walker attacks and defeats a body of Gov- 
ernment troops at Virgin Bay, and marching to the interior, 
captures Grenada, the capital, 12 Oct.; he places Gen. Rivas, a 
native, in the Presidential office, drives Col. Kinney from the 
Mosquito Country, and receives recognition of the new govern- 
ment from the American Minister (John H. Wheeler) and the 
British Consul; Rivas sends a Minister (Parker H. French) to 
the U. S., but the Government declines to receive him. 

Owing to the great increase in immigration, necessitating the 
provision of some suitable place for the reception and tempor- 
ary care of this class of foreigners, Castle Garden, New York's 
leadiug place of public amusement, is surrendered to the Com- 
missioners of Emigration, and opened 1 Aug. for the reception 
of emigrants, who are landed there direct from quarantine. 

Cyrus W. Field has a submarine cable made in England, with 
which he intends connecting Cape Ray and Cape Breton; ar>. 



182 History of the United States. 

1855. attempt is made (Aug.) to lay this line across the Gulf of St. 
Lawrence, but during the operation a gale springs up, and to 
save the steamer, the cable is cut, and some forty miles of it are 
lost. 

The Free-State settlers of Kansas hold their first general 
meeting at Lawrence, 15 Aug., to form a State Government and 
apply for admission into the Union: all bona fide citizens are 
requested to elect delegates to assemble in convention at Topeka, 
19 Sept., to consider and determine upon all subjects of public 
interest; at the Topeka meeting arrangements are perfected to 
hold an election in Oct., for delegates to a constitutional con- 
vention; these are accordingly elected, and ex-Governor Reeder, 
who has acted with the Free-State Party since his removal from 
office, is chosen Delegate to Congress; the constitution adopted 
at the Oct. convention, is ratified by the people at an election, 
15 Dec. 

Wilson Shannon, of Ohio, succeeds Andrew H. Reeder, as 
Governor of Kansas, and enters upon official work 1 Sept.; he 
endeavors to pacify the disturbing elements,but the storm gets 
beyond his control; a force of nearly 1000 armed men take 
possession of Leavenworth, and create a reign of terror, which 
causes the Governor to call on the President 1 Dec, for U. S. 
troops to preserve peace. 

The renowned tragedienne Mile. Rachel makes her first 
appearance in America, in New York, 3 Sept. 

Toward the close of the year the Indians begin making war 
upon the white settlers in Oregon and Washington Territories ; 
Major Haller and his company, on surveying duty, are attacked 
by an overwhelming force of Indians, through which they suc- 
ceed in cutting their way; troops are hastened to t lie disaffected 
parts, but as they fail to suppress the uprising, Gen. Wool is 
ordered from San Francisco to Portland, Or., to prosecute 
vigorous measures; during the winter the hostilities become so 
frequent, savage, and general that it is feared all the white 
settlers will have to leave. r 

William M. Thackeray, the eminent English author, visits 
tlus country, and delivers his first lecture on George I, in Dr. 
Chapin's church, New York, 1 Nov. 

The first session of the 34th Congress convenes 3 Dec; 
the House spends the remainder of the year in ineffectual efforts 
to organize by electing a Speaker; the President's message, 
received 31 Dec, deals largely with the constitutional rights of 
the States, and the interference of the Free States in the 
domestic affairs of the Slave States. mw» 

The national expenses for the year amount to $66,164,775; 
the debt is $39, 969,731; the value of imports, $261,468,520, and 
of exports, $275,156,846. 
1856. In Kansas, members of the State Legislature and State officers 
are elected, 15 Jan.; the Legislature assembles at Topeka, 1 
March, and organizes a State Government; Dr. Charles Robin- 
son, the Governor-elect, delivers his inaugural; Andrew H. 
Reeder and James H. Lane are chosen U. S. Senators; a peti- 
tion to Congress for admission is prepared; and an adjournment 
taken to 4 July; directly after the adjournment Gov. Robinson 



History of the United States. 

and several other leading citizens are arrested on a charge of 
high treason; in spite of demands for a trial they are confined 
four months, when Judge Lecompte releases them on learning 
that Gen. Lane is about doing so by force; on the reassembling 
of the Legislature, 4 July, Marslml Donaldson has President 
Pierce's proclamation read, in which he declares that the laws 
of the Shawnee Legislature will be enforced by the entire force 
of the Government; Col. Sunnier, with a force of 200 men, 
appears, and asserts that he has come to disperse the Legisla- 
ture; the members obey the order without attempting an 
organization; in the meantime the constitution framed atTopeka 
is presented to Congress, 7 April, a petition for admission as a 
State is rejected in the Senate, and a special House Com- 
mittee to investigate the Kansas troubles, consisting of John 
Sherman, Ohio, William A. Howard, Michigan, and Mordecai 
Oliver, Mo., report 1 July that the alleged Territorial Legisla- 
ture was an illegally constituted body, that the elections under 
the organic law had been carried on by organized invasions 
from Missouri, that neither Whitfield, the sitting delegate, nor 
Reeder, the contestant, is entitled to a seat in the House, and 
that a fair election cannot be held without the presence of the 
U. S. troops at every polling place. 

The steamship Pacific, with forty-five passengers and nearly 
150 officers and crew, leaves Liverpool for New York, 23 Jan., 
and as no tidings are heard of her, she is supposed to have 
foundered or been burned at sea. 

Nathaniel P. Banks, of Mass., is elected Speaker of the House 
on the 133d ballot, 2 Feb., receiving 103 votes to 100 for William 
Aiken, of S. C. 

The Central Park (New York) Commissioners appraise the 
land authorized to be purchased at $5,398,695, and their report 
is confirmed 5 Feb., and the purchase consummated, $1,658,395 
of the amount being levied on the adjoining property owners. 

On the 21 Feb., the Convention of the National American 
Party is held in Philadelphia; Ex-President Fillmore, N. Y., 
who favored the compromise 'measures of 1850, is nominated 
for President, and Andrew J. Donelson, of Tenn., for Vice- 
President; the principal feature of the platform is that Ameri- 
cans must, rule America. 

The anti-Nebraska men, embracing all, of whatever party in 
the past, who condemn the repudiation of the Missouri Com- 
promise, and who shortly assume the designation of Republi- 
cans, hold their first Convention in Pittsburg, Penn., 22 Feb.; 
their nominating Convention is held in Philadelphia, 17 June, 
under the presidency of Col. Henry S. Lane, Of Ind.; Col. 
John C. Fremont, of Cal., is nominated for President on the 
first ballot; for Vice-President, William L. Dayton, of N. J., 
receives 259 votes, and Abraham Lincoln, of 111., 110, with 180 
scattering, whereupon Mr. Dayton is unanimously nominated. 

California opens her first railroad, extending from Sacramento 
to Folsom, 22 Feb. 

Brigham Young is removed from the Governorship of 
Utah, in consequence of complaints from the Gentile office- 
holders concerning the lax administration of the laws. 



184 History of the United States. 

1856. The movements of the American filibusters in Nicaragua 
last year led the other governments on the Isthmus to unite in 
an alliance against the new Government of Nicaragua; Costa 
Rica declares war against Nicaragua, and within a few days (10 
March) Walker sends similar declarations to Costa Rica; all the 
Central American States are called upon to assist Costa Rica; 
the "war" opens 20 March; Costa Rica invades Nicaragua, 
meets Walker's troops (11 April) and is quickly defeated and 
driven from the State; Gen. Rivas resigns the Presidency, and 
proclaims against Walker, who (24 June) is elected President, 
and (12 July) inaugurated; President Pierce recognizes Walker's 
Government and cordially receives his ambassador, Father 
Vigil, of the R. C. Church. 

In Washington Territory, the volunteers defeat a large body 
of hostile Indians, 10 March, while in Oregon the Indians (25 
March) burn every building in Cascodes, as well as in the 
vicinity of Vancouver; Gen. Wool succeeds in putting an end 
to the troubles in Oregon during the summer, but disturbances 
continue elsewhere beyond the Rocky Mountains. 

A street railroad, connecting Boston with Cambridge, the first 
seen in New England, goes into operation 26 March. 

The Adriatic, the largest steamship afloat, is successfully 
launched at New York, 7 April, and attracts wide-spread 
Interest. 

James King, editor of the San Francisco Bulletin, is killed by 
James P. Casey, editor of the Sunday Times, of the same 
place, 14 May; Casey is arrested and put into jail, whence he 
and another murderer are forcibly removed by the Vigilance 
Committee, tried, and executed on a public thoroughfare; 
the Governor calls out the militia to suppress the Com- 
mittee, who, fortifying themselves, resist capture; having 
accomplished the object of its organization — ridding the city of 
dangerous characters and enforcing a respect for law and justice 
— the Committee disbands 18 Aug.; it was popularly sustained 
in illegally doing the city a grand service. 

Representative Preston S. Brooks, of S. C, makes a brutal 
personal assault upon Senator Sumner, of Mass., 22 May, in the 
Senate Chamber, on account of some words used by the Sena- 
tor in a speech on Kansas affairs two days before ; the Senator 
is struck with a heavy cane while at his desk, knocked to the 
floor senseless, and there beaten, receiving injuries which made 
him an invalid for four years and affected him to his death; the 
House refuses to expel Brooks, and he resigns, but is soon 
re-elected; in a civil action he is fined $300 for the assault; 
great indignation meetings are held throughout the North, and 
general sympathy for the Senator is expressed. 

The last services are held in the Old Brick (Pres.) Church on 
Beekman Street, New York, a venerated victim to tbe march of 
improvement, 25 May. 

The village of Osawatomie, Kansas, is sacked and burned, 5 
June, by a Pro-Slavery combination, headed by Gen. Whitfield; 
Leavenworth \& seized (1 Sep.) by a large force, mainly from 



History of the United States. 185 

1866. Missouri, who murder and plunder without material opposition. 

The National Democratic Convention is held 5 June, in Cin- 
cinnati, 0.; James Buchanan, of Penn, ex-Minister to England, 
is nominated for President, and John C. Breckenridge, of Ky., 
for Vice-President. 

The first statue in modern New York, an equestrian one of 
Washington, is set up, July, at the lower end of Union Square; 
in the same month the Common Council authorizes the erection 
of a monument to Gen. Worth, on Fifth Avenue and Broad- 
way; ground is broken for the Ridge wood (Brooklyn, N. Y.) 
water-works, 31. 

Hartford's (Conn.) historic pride, the Charter Oak Tree, is 
blown down, 21 Aug. 

Gov. Shannon, of Kansas, is informed, 21 Aug., of his 
removal from office; his successor, John W. Geary, appointed 
in July, reaches Fort Leavenworth, 9 Sep. 

Cyrus W. Field succeeds in establishing telegraphic com- 
munication between Newfoundland and the U.S.; the project 
for the main line across the ocean is favorably considered by 
Great Britain and the U. S., who detail men-of-war to lay the 
cable; Mr. Field goes to England, organizes the Atlantic Tele- 
graph Company, and starts the manufacture of the cable. 

The Rip-Bap riots break out in Baltimore, Md., 12 Sep., and 
are renewed 8 Oct., while a desperate political fight occurs on 
election day and night. 

The manufacture of condensed milk is begun in Conn. 

Charles P. Huntington, of New York, is discovered to have 
forged commercial paper to the amount of over $15,000,000; 
insanity is set up in his defense. 

The second railroad bridge across the Mississippi River, 1582 
feet long, is completed at Rock Island, 111. 

Congress makes a grant of public lands in Alabama, Florida, 
Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, and Wisconsin, to 
assist in the building of railroads. 

A vessel makes the passage from Milwaukee to Europe, for 
the first time, via the great lakes, the Wellancl Canal, and the 
St. Lawrence River. 

Steel is produced by the Bessemer process at Phillipsburg, N. 
J., from Sussex County iron. 

In the Presidential election (4 Nov.), Mr. Buchanan receives 
1,839,169 popular votes; Col. Fremont, 1,341,264; and Mr. Fill- 
more, 874,534; thirty-one States, with 296 electors, vote, giving 
Buchanan 174, Fremont 114, and Fillmore 8. 

The receipts of the post-office department for the year amount 
to $7,620,801, and the expenditures to $10,407,868. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $72,726,341; 
the debt is $30,963,909; the value of imports, $314,639,943; and 
of exports, $326,964,908. 
1857. The Free-State Legislature of Kansas, under the Topeka Consti- 
tution, meets at Topeka, 6 Jan.; a Deputy Marshal arrests seven 
members under a writ issued by Judge Cate, but they refuse to 
go witli him; two days later the Marshal returns with assistance 
and arrests a dozen or more of the members with the presiding 
officers; the Members of both Houses meet in joint session, 



History of the United States. 

1867. adopt a memorial to Congress', and adjourn to June; the Terri- 
torial Legislature meets at Lecompton, 12 Jan.; it passes an Act 
to allow judges to take bail in all eases of crime, the Governor 
vetoes it, but it is re-passed; an Act is passed providing for a 
Constitutional Convention, the election to be in June, and the 
Convention at Lecompton, in Sep.; this is vetoed and re-passed: 
Kobert J. Walker, of Miss., is appointed Governor, to succeed 
J. W. Geary, and Frederick P. Stanton, of Tenn., Secretary; 
a, nolle pros is entered, 11 May, on the indictments for treason] 
against Gov. Robinson and other members of the Topeka 
Legislature. 

The city of New York is thrown into unusual excitement, 31 
Jan., by the discovery that Dr. Harvey Burdell, a well-known 
dentist, living at 31 Bond Street, lias been murdered in his bed- 
room; Mrs. Cunningham, a widow who hires the house of the 
doctor and who claims to have been privately married to him, 
with Messrs. Eckel and Snodgrass, two of her lodgers, are cir- 
cumstantially implicated and arrested, but nothing is ever proved 
against them. 

James Buchanan .is inaugurated fifteenth President of the IT. 
S., 4 March; he selects the following as bis cabinet officers: 
Lewis Cass, Mich., Secretary of State; Howell Cobb, Ga., Sec- 
retary of the Treasury; Jacob Thompson, Miss., Secretary of 
the Interior; Isaac Toucey, Conn., Secretary of the Navy; 
John B. Floyd, Va., Secretary of War; Jeremiah S. Black, 
Penn., Attorney-General; and Aaron V. Brown, Tenn., Post- 
master-General. 

Dred Scott, a negro slave, had been taken from Missouri into 
Illinois by a former master, and after being held there a slave 
for two years, was removed to Minnesota, where he married a 
female slave of the same master: Scott, with his wife and 
daughter, was removed to Missouri in 1838 and sold to John F. 
A. Sanford; he then sued for the freedom of himself and 
family, and obtained judgment in his favor in the Missouri 
Circuit Court; the Supreme Court of the State reversed the 
judgment, and the case was taken to the U. S. Supreme 
Court; Chief Justice Taney, on behalf of the majority of 
the Court, pronounces judgment (6 March), reversing the 
judgment of the District Courl and directing the dismissal 
of the suit for want of jurisdiction ; he calls attention to the 
Eacl thai negro slaves had uo rights either before or after the 
adoption of the Constitution, that they have always been con- 
sidered property, and cannot be naturalized as citizens. 

Employes of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad go on a strike 
(29 April), and for several days have stubborn rights with the 
police guarding the railroad property; the Governor issues a 
proclamation and calls out the Slate troops to quell the riots. 

The combination of the Central American States against 
Walker's Nicaragua)) Government proves effective; he is com- 
pelled to surrender the remainder of his army, 20 May, at 
Rivas, and with a few personal followers is saved by Com- 
modore Davis, [J. S. Navy; landing at New Orleans he begins 
fitting out another expedition, and (25 Nov.) effects a landing at 
Pucnta Arenas, where (3 Dec.) he is seized, with his army of 



History of the United States. 187 

1857. 232 men, by Commodore Paulding, U. S. Navy, and taken to 
New York. 

The lines of canals and railroads constructed by the State 
of Pennsylvania, at a cost of upwards of $12,000,000, to con- 
nect Philadelphia with Pittsburg (1831), are sold to the Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad Company, 25 June, for $7,500,000. 

By Act of the Legislature, the Police Department of New 
York is transferred from the City to the State authorities; Mayor 
Wood determines to test the constitutionality of the Act and to 
resist its execution; he refuses to surrender police property or 
to disband the old force; conflicts ensue between the officers of 
the Metropolitan and the Municipal Police; the Seventh Regi- 
ment stops at the City Hall while on its way to take the boat for 
Boston, and quells a riot there; Gen. Sandford orders nine 
regiments under arms to preserve the peace; the Metropolitan 
Police Act is declared constitutional (1 July) by the Court of 
Appeals; on the evening of the 3d, the city is plunged into the 
wildest disorder; the Dead Rabbits and the Bowery Boys begin 
a series of street fights in Bayard Street; the rioters drive off 
the police and barricade the streets; the Seventh Regiment is 
summoned home by telegraph, and all the militia are ordered 
out; the riot is quelled in the afternoon (4), but breaks out 
again the next day, when the militia disperses the crowd; fur- 
ther outbreaks occur (13, 14), which the police suppress. 

The U. S. S. frigate Niagara, attended by the Susquehanna, 
detailed to lay one half of the Atlantic Cable, and the British 
frigate Agamemnon, attended by four men-of-war, detailed to 
lay the other half, l-eceive their allotted quantity of wire; the 
Niagara lands the end of her cable at Valentia Bay, Aug. 5, 
and sets sail for mid-ocean, where the splice with the Agamem- 
non portion is to be made; during a heavy swell (11) the wire on 
the Niagara breaks and 400 miles' length of it is lost. ^ 

A great financial storm breaks upon the country; the Ohio 
Life and Trust Company suspends, 24 Aug., for the enormous 
sum of $7,000,000; this is followed by the suspension of the 
Philadelphia banks (25, 26 Sep.), and a general suspension 
in Pennsylvania, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and 
Rhode Island; a run upon the banks leads the New York 
Legislature, 13, 14 Oct., to authorize a suspension of specie 
payments by the banks for one year; the city banks resume 
payment, 24 Dec, and on the same day the Massachusetts 
banks suspend; the panic becomes universal throughout the 
country, thousands of manufactories aiv compelled to stop 
work, and prompt measures are taken in the large cities to 
relieve the suffering of the unemployed and to guard against 
bread riots; the failures during the year amount to 5,123, and 
the liabilities to $291,750,000. 

A national emancipation society is formed at Cleveland, O., 
26 Aug., for the purpose of endeavoring to suppress slavery by 
getting the Government to purchase and liberate all slaves. " 

The steamer Central America leaves Havana for New York, 
with 600 persons on board, 8 Sep.; the vessel springs a leak in 
a heavy storm (11), and all hands have to work for'their lives; 
a passing vessel takes ofi about 100 persons (12), and shortly 



History of the United States. 

1867. afterwards the steamer goes down suddenly with over 400 per- 
sons, besides treasure estimated at over $2,000,000. 

An emigrant party of 136 person?;, ) novided with all the means 
of agricultural life, camps at Mountain Meadow, at the south end 
of Salt Lake Valley, Utah, Sep.; shortly afterwards rhey are as- 
saulted by Indians and some whites, said to be Mormons under the 
direction of John 1). Lee, and compelled to surrender all then- 
property; stalling on their return to Cedar City, they are sud- 
denly surprised, and 120 of their number are killed. 

President Buchanan sends a large body of U. S. troops to 
Utah to compel an observance of the laws by the Mormons, and 
appoints Alfred dimming and Judge Eckels, Governor and 
Chief Justice respectively; Brigham Young prepares to resist 
the military, and warns all bodies of armed men against enter- 
ing the territory; the U. S. Grand Jury indicts Young and a 
number of the Mormon leaders for high treason. 

The first Session of the 85th Congress opens, 7 Dec.; 
James L. Orr, Democrat, of S. C, is elected Speaker of the 
House, over Galusha A. Grow, Republican, of Penu.; in his 
Message, the President recommends a bankrupt law for banking 
institutions, a railroad to the Pacific, and the establishment of 
a Territorial Government over Arizona, incorporating with it 
portions of New Mexico. 

Gov. Walker, of Kansas, resigns his position, 15 Dec; the 
election for voting upon the slavery clauses of the Lecompton 
Constitution is held, 21, the Free-State men not voting; the Con- 
stitution with slavery receives G,143 votes, and the Constitution 
without slavery, 569. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $71,274,587; 
the debt is $29,060,386; the value of imports, $362,890,141; and 
of exports, $362,960,608. 
1858. The Territorial Legislature of Kansas, convened by order of 
Gov. Stanton, had provided for an election to be held 4 Jan.; this 
results in 138 votes for the Constitution with slavery, 24 for the 
Constitution without slavery, and 10,226 against the Constitution; 
on the same day State Officers, a Representative to Congress, 
and a Legislature are chosen under the Lecompton Constitu- 
tion, the Free-State Party again declining to vote. 

President Buch*t>*an privately commends Commodore Pauld- 
ing for arresting the filibuster Walker, but (7 Jan.) publicly 
condemns him in a message to Congress for violating the 
sovereignty of a foreign nation; Walker is released from arrest, 
and proceeds to Mobile to organize his third expedition. 

Messrs. Olmstead and Vaux begin the work of beautifying 
Central Park, April. 

A bill, which practically agrees to admit Kansas as a State 
immediately with slavery, but otherwise denies admission until 
the population reaches 93,340, passes both Houses of Congress, 
80 April. 

An understanding is reached (March) b 'tween the new Gov- 
ernor of Utah and the Mormon leaders, t id two Commissioners 
from the President, offering pardon to aJ> Mormons who will 
submit to Federal authority, arrive in Salt i'^ake City, May; the 
" Church " accepts the offer, and peace is iipparently restored. 



History of the United States, 

By Act of Congress, 11 May, Minnesota Is admitted Into the 
Union as a State, with an area of 83,531 square miles. 

The United Presbyterian Church is formed in Pittsburg, 
Penn., 26 May, by a consolidation of the Associate and the 
Associate Reformed Churches of North America. 

Most of the conferences of the Methodist Protestant Church 
become intensely anti-slavery; they demand of the General Con- 
ference which meets in Lynchburg, Va., in May, such legisla- 
tion as shall exclude slaveholders from the communion of the 
Church; as the General Conference refuses to comply, nineteen 
annual conferences send delegates to a convention which meets 
in Springfield, 0., lONov., when all communication is suspended 
with other portions of the Church so long as they countenance 
slavery. Subsequently these conferences'" secede from the 
Methodist Protestant Church, and with a number of other non- 
Episcopal Methodist bodies organize "The Methodist Church." 

The U. S. and British war-vessels sail from Plymouth Sound, 
England, with a new cable on board, 10 June; they meet with 
heavy weather, but (26) make the splice; it parts almost immedi- 
ately, and a second splicing (28) has the same fate, the cable 
breaking twice on the Niagara and once (29) on the Agamem- 
non; both vessels put back to Queenstown, whence they sail, 
17 July; a splice is made in a few clays, and the vessels part, the 
Agamemnon and Valorous heading for Ireland, and the Niagara 
and Gorgon for Newfoundland; landings are made (4, 5 Aug.), 
and messages are exchanged through the cable between Queen 
Victoria and President Buchanan, 16; the achievement is cele- 
brated in New York, 1 Sep. by the grandest demonstration 
heretofore seen. 

The remains of President Monroe are removed from the 
Marble Cemetery, New York, 3 July, and escorted to Richmond, 
Va., by the Seventh Regiment. 

Determined that their shores shall no longer be used for 
quarantine purposes, the populace of Staten Island organize 
themselves, and, marching to the hospital buildings at Castleton, 
remove the sick from the wards, drive off the officers, and burn 
all the buildings. 

Cooper Institute, erected by Peter Cooper, at a cost of over 
$600,000, for the purpose of furnishing popular instruction 
free, is thrown open to the public. 

The Lecompton Constitution in Kansas is rejected in a special 
election, 2 Aug., the vote on the proposition of Congress and 
admission being 1,788 for, to 11,088 against. 

Archbishop Hughes lays the corner-stone of the new Roman 
Catholic Cathedral, on Fifth Avenue, New York, 15 Aug. 

While attempting to fumigate the steamer Austria, bound 
from Hamburg to New York, with 425 passengers and 113 officers 
and crew on board, 13 Sep. the vessel takes fire and gets beyond 
control; ninety-nine persons are saved by passing vessels, but 
the rest are lost by drowning and the flames. 

The famous Crystal Palace, in New York, is destroyed by fire, 
together with a rich collection of the Pah- of the American 
Institute, on exhibition, 5 Oct. 



History of the United States. 

1868. A mail conveyed overland from San Francisco in a little less 
than twenty-four days, reaches St. Louis, Mo., 9 Oct 

An effort is made during the summer to re-open the African 
slave trade, a number of native Africans being landed on the 
Southern coast and placed at once in bondage. 

During the year, the Legislature of New York enacts that 
every slave brought involuntarily within its borders shall be set 
free, and the Legislatures of Maine, Massachusetts, Conneeti- 
cut, Michigan, and Wisconsin pass "personal liberty laws,"' 
strongly favoring the freedom of the slave. 

Congress convenes 6 Dec; the President states that the con- 
troversy between the U. S. and Great Britain relating to the 
right of search has been amicably settled; that if Cuba can be 
acquired the slave-trade will instantly disappear; and that the 
condition of the Treasury demands an increase of duties, on 
which he recommends specific instead of ad valorem duties. 

The gold fever is stimulated by the discovery of the metal at 
Pike's Peak, Col. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $82,002,186; 
the debt is $44,910,777; the value of imports, $282,013,15()j u and 
of exports, $324,644,421. 
1859, The Kansas Legislature convenes in Jan., and passes an Amnesty 
Act by which the various prosecutions for political offences 
which have been begun in the south-eastern counties are 
stopped; a bill to abolish and prohibit slavery is passed, and the 
new Governor (Samuel Medary, of O.) vetoes it; an election is 
held in March, when the proposed Constitutional Convention has 
a majority of nearly 4000 votes; a Republican Convention is 
held at Osawatomie, 18 May, for the purpose of organizing 
a Republican Party; the Constitutional Convention assembles 
5 July, and adjourns 27, after adopting a constitution, all the 
Democrats present voting against it; this constitution, which 
prohibits slavery, is ratified at a popular election (Oct.) by a 
majority of 4000; a Territorial election for Members of the 
Legislature and a Delegate to Congress is held in Nov., when 
the Republican candidate for Delegate and a majority of the 
Republican candidates for the Legislature are elected; under 
the new constitution Republican State officers and a Delegate to 
Congress are elected G Dec, by a majority of about 3000. 

By Act of Congress, 14 Feb., Oregon is admitted as a State 
into the Union, with an area of 95,"J74 square miles. 

John Brown, an enthusiastic anti-slavery man, leads a party 
of slaves from Missouri to freedom in Canada; he crosses the 
line at Detroit, 12 March, and assembles a secret convention of 
negroes and sympathetic whites at Chatham, Canada West, 8 
May, by whom '.' a provisional constitution and ordinances for 
the people of the United States," drafted by Brown, are 
adopted. Brown, being chosen commander-in-chief , returns to 
the U. S. and enters upon Ins scheme to liberate the slaves; he 
makes a contract in Collinsville. Conn., for 1000 pikes, 3 June, 
and in the early part of July, he rents a farm near Harper's 
Ferry, Va.; he decides to strike the first blow against slavery 
on the night of 24 Oct., but changes his mind;, on the evening 
©f Sunday, 1G Oct. , he moves his force of seventeen white and n>© 



History of the United States. 191 

colored men into the village of Harper's Ferry, extinguishes 
the lights in the streets, takes possession of the workshops and 
offices of the national armory, seizes the three guards and the 
watchman at the Potomac bridge, and posts a guard of armed 
men on the bridge; on the following day Brown arrests all the 
citizens who appear in the streets, offering to ransom them at a 
slave a piece, and proclaims his mission to be to " free the 
slaves by the authority of God Almighty:'' the news of the 
seizure spreads rapidly; Gov. Wise communicates with the 
Government, and calls out the militia; Brown's force in the 
armory building is attacked by the citizens and compelled to flee 
to the engine-house; Col. Robert E. Lee reaches the scene in 
the afternoon with Government troops, and storms the engine- 
house early the next morning; after a brief struggle, in which 
Brown is wounded in several places, the insurgents are cap- 
tured; Brown, who had expected a general rising of the slaves 
at his approach, is indicted for exciting slaves to insurrection 
and for treason and murder; he is found guilty 29 Oct., and is 
hanged at Charlestown, Va.-, 2 Dec, in the presence of nearly 
8000 militia and an immense concourse of people; Cook, Cop- 
poc, Copeland, and Green are hanged, 16 Dec, and .Stevens 
and Hazlitt condemned to be hanged on the 16 March, I860; 
five whites and one colored man effect their escape. 

Up to 30 Sep., the Government has disposed of 388,858,325 
acres of public land, of which 147,088,273 have been sold for 
cash, 1180,619,638, and 241,770,052 donated in grants to indi- 
viduals, corporations, and States, 70,000,000 being for school 
purposes, and 50,000,000 for railroads and internal improve 
ments. 

Adelina Patti makes her d&rwt in opera ha New York, 24 
November. 

The 36th Congress assembles 5 Dec; the Senate is strongly 
democratic but the House has no clear majority for any party} 
directly after the opening of the Senate, Mr. Mason, of Va., 
submits a resolution for the appointment of a committee to 
investigate the matter commonly known as " John Brown's 
raid into Virginia; " this brings on a bitter political discussion, 
having slavery and State rights for its keynote, and is prolonged 
to the 14th, when the resolution is adopted. In the House, just 
as a second ballot is about being taken for Speaker, Mr. J. B. 
Clark, of Mo., proposes a preamble and resolution, charging 
certain nominees for the Speakership with having recommended 
Helper's " Impending Crisis," and declaring the doctrines of 
the book insurrectionary; this, too, precipitates a lengthy debate 
on the slavery question, and complicates the contest for Speaker; 
on the 27 Dec, the House being still unorganized, the President 
sends his Message to each body; for several days John Sher- 
man, of Ohio, receives votes lacking from three to five of a 
majority; but the Democrats and Americans will not unite, and 
the Anti-Lecompton or Douglas Democrats will not support an 
administration man. 

Col. E. L. Drake, of New Haven, Conn., sinks the first well 
for petroleum by boring at Titusville, Oil Creek, Penn. 



I 

192 History of the United States. 

t 
1869. Photo-lithography is introduced for the purpose of publishing 
maps in colors. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $83,678,643; 
the debt is $58,754,(199; the value of imports, $338,768,130; and 
of exports, $356,789,641. 
1860. Immediately after the holiday recess, the House resumes the 
slavery discussion and the contest for Speaker; Mr. Smith, of 
N. C, receives almost the whole democratic vote, 27 Jan., tlie* 
ballot being: Sherman, 106; Smith, 112; Corwin, 4; scattering 
6; Mr. Sherman withdraws his name (30), and the republicans 
nominate William Pennington, N. J., who receives 115 votes, on 
three ballots, to 113 for Mr. Smith; the democrats substitute J. 
A. McClernand, 111., for Mr. Smith (31), and the eight weeks' 
struggle terminates, 1 Feb., when Mr. Pennington receives the 
requisite number of votes, 117 to 85 for Mr. McClernand. 

The main building of the Pemberton Cotton Mills, at Law- 
rence, Mass., suddenly falls to the ground, 10 Jan., carrying 
with it all the machinery and several hundred operatives; afire 
breaks out in the ruins while efforts are being made to extricate 
the dying and wounded, throwing the city into great consterna- 
tion; it is subsequently ascertained that 117 operatives were 
killed, and 112 severely and 200 more or less wounded, while 
of 89 others no tidings could be gathered. 

Mr. Coode, of Penn., throws a firebrand into the House, 5 
March, by introducing two resolutions for the appointment of 
a committee to investigate whether the President or any other 
officer of the Government has, by money, patronage, or other 
improper means, sought to influence the action of Congress or 
any committee thereof, for or against the passage of any law 
appertaining to the rights of any Territory, and also to investi- 
gate the charges of improper use of money to carry elections 
and the reported Post-oilice and Navy-yard abuses; the resolu- 
tions, after considerable opposition, are adopted, when (29) the 
President protests against the resolutions as violating his con- 
stitutional rights and immunities; the committee makes an 
elaborate report (June). 

Ambassadors sent from the Emperor of Japan to ratify Com- 
modore Perry's treaty arrive at San Francisco, in the U. S. 
Powhatan, 27 March; they are publicly received by the State 
authorities, 2 April; they proceed to Washington eta New York 
in the U. S. S. Roanoke, and are presented to the President, to 
whom they deliver the treaty for formal ratification, May; after 
a series of brilliant receptions they return to New York, where 
they are escorted to their hotel by the National Guard and are 
honored with a grand ball at Niblo's Garden, 18 June; they 
embark on the U. S. S. Niagara for Japan, 29. 

The Democratic National Convention assembles at Charles- 
ton, S.C., 23 April, and organizes on the following day with Caleb 
Cashing, Mass., as president; several platforms are introduced, 
27, and referred; the platform modified by Mr. Samuels, Iowa, 
is adopted, 30, whereupon the Alabama delegation report that 
they are instructed not to acquiesce in or submit to any "squat- 
ter sovereignty : ' platfoorm, but to withraw from the Conven- 
tion ir case such a one should be adopted, and they accordingly 




Admiral Porter. 




Commodore Worden. *■ 

Modern Naval Heroes. 



ADMIKAL DAHLGREN. 



Hidory of the United States. 193 

take their leave; the delegations from Mississippi, Louisiana 
(except two), South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Arkansas (a pail), 
and Georgia follow the example; after fifty-seven ballotings, 
in which Senator Douglas received from 145J to 152i votes, and 
Mi\ Guthrie, of Ky\, the next highest, 66|, the Convention 
adjourns, 3 May, to meet in Baltimore, 18 June; the seeeding 
delegates assemble in St. Andrew's Hall, and after adopting 
the platform reported by Mr. Avery, adjourn to meet in Rich- 
mond, 11 June. 

A Constitutional Union (iate American) Convention is held in 
Baltimore, 9 May, under the presidency of Washington Hunt, 
N. Y.; the platform is embraced in the resolution, that it is 
the part both of patriotism and of duty to recognize no political 
principle other than the constitution of the country, the union 
of the States, and the enforcement of the laws; John Bell, of 
Tenn., is nominated for President, with Edward Everett, of 
Mass., for Vice-President. 

At the Republican National Convention, which assembles in 
Chicago, 16 May, all the Free States and the Slave States of 
Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Missouri, the Territories of 
Kansas and Nebraska, and the District of Columbia are repre- 
sented; George Ashmun, Mass., is chosen president; the plat- 
form declares that the maintenance of the principles promul- 
gated in the Declaration of Independence and the Federal Con- 
stitution, is essential to the preservation of our Republican 
institutions, and congratulates the country that no Republican 
Member of Congress has uttered or countenanced the threats of 
disunion) the Convention decides to nominate by a majority 
vote, and proceeds to ballot, 18; three ballots are taken, in which 
William H. Seward and Abraham Lincoln receive the highest 
number of votes, the latter on the third ballot coming within 
two and a half votes of the requisite number; changes are made 
until Mr. Lincoln has 354 of the 466 votes, when his nomina- 
tion is made unanimous; Hannibal Hamlin, Me., is nominated 
for Vice-President on a second ballot, receiving 367 votes to 99 
for all others. * 

The seceders from the Charleston Convention meet at Rich- 
mond, 11 June, and adjourn to Baltimore, holding their final 
meeting, 28; twenty-one States are represented; Caleb Cushing 
is chosen president; the Convention adopts Mr. Avery's Char- 
leston platform, and nominates John C. Breckenridge, of Ky., 
for President, with Gen. Joseph Lane, Or., for Vice-President. 

Pursuant to adjournment, the National Democratic Conven- 
tion re-assembles in Baltimore, 18 June; Benjamin F. Butler, 
Mass., announces the determination of a majority of the dele- 
gates from his State to withdraw, and creates a sensation by the 
reason, that he will not sit in a convention where the African 
slave-trade is approvingly advocated ; on the first ballot, Senator 
Douglas has 173^ votes; Guthrie, 10; Breckenridge, 5; scatter- 
ing, 3; on the second, Douglas has 181^; Breckenridge, 7£;and 
Guthrie, 5£; whereupon a resolution is adopted formally nom- 
inating Douglas for President; Benjamin Fitzpatrick, Ala., 
is nominated for Vice-President, but subsequently ©declines, 



History of the United States. 

1860. when the National Committee substitutes Herschel V. Johnson, 
Ga. 

William Walker again starts with an expedition to Central 
America; he lands on the Island of Ruatan, 25 June, and at 
Truxillo two days later; he issues a proclamation announcing 
his mission and prepares for an active campaign; the President; 
! of Honduras, at the head of an army of 700 men, appears, 23 

j Aug.; at the same time the commander of a British war- vessel 
in the harbor orders Walker to retire; he obeys and takes to 
the coast, where he is captured 3 Sep., taken to Truxillo, tried 
by court-martial, condemned, and shot (12 Sep.). 

The famous steamship Great Eastern arrives at New York 
.: from England, 28 June, and, mooring in the North River, is 

open to public inspection for several weeks. 

H. R. H., the Prince of Wales reaches Newfoundland, 23 
July, and after making an extended torn through British 
America, enters the U. S. at Detroit, 21 Sep. , and goes to Wash- 
ington as the guest of the President (3-7 Oct.); he reaches New 
York City, 11, and is most enthusiastically received by the 
military (7000 troops) and civil authorities; a grand ball (12) 
and an immense torchlight procession (13) are given in his 
honor; he visits the West Point Academy (15), is entertained 
by the Governor at Albany, and by the State authorities and 
citizens of Massachusetts, at Boston, and takes his departure on 
a British man-of-war from Portland, Me., 20. 

Among the other notable visitors of the summer are the 
Prince de Joinville, uncle of the Comte de Paris and the Duo 
de Chartres, and Lady Franklin, the latter coming particularly 
to thank the people of the U.S. for the interest they have shown 
for her unfortunate husband, the lost Arctic explorer. 

A number of slaves are captured by U. S. naval vessels 
during the summer, off Cuba, and some 1700 slaves are quar- 
tered at Key West pending arrangements to send them to 
Liberia; the U. S. S. Mohican captures a single slaver off the 
coast of Africa, with over 800 slaves on board. 

Central Park, New York, is thrown open to the public. 

The dawn of this eventful year had found the whole country 
astir with the gravest political excitement. It is election year, and 
the choice of the next President assumes all the importance of 
a crisis. The destinies of America are in the balance. Political 
parties are strangely divided. Up to this time there had been 
two great parties, " Democrats" and "Republicans"; these 
become sub-divided into four parties. There are the " South- 
ern Democrats" led by John C. Breekenridge; and the "Northern 
Democrats" with Stephen A. Douglas at their head. These 
two parties had quarreled beeauseDouglas claimed that aTerritory 
had a right to vote that slavery should not exist within its 
boundaries if a majority of the people so willed it. On this, a 
third party arose, known as the "Union and Constitutional 
Party," or the " Bell-Everetts," as they were called from the 
names of their leaders, John Bell and Edward Everett- "The 
fourth party is the " Republican " party — the party thut four 
rears before had fought with such intense enthusiasm to place 
ren. Jolin C. Fremont, the dauntless Pathfinder of the Rocky 








-rv — 




/v*-' r < <^-t 



Q.^Co^^C^r^^ 



History of the United /states. 

Mountains, at the head of the nation. An election campaign 
unrivalled in the history of America ensues; on both sides 
orators of the highest order take the platform, the pulpit, and 
the stump. Such men as Wendell Phillips, Henry Ward Bee- 
cher, and William Lloyd Garrison come out flat-footed as 
Abolitionists; and on the other hand such men as William L. 
Gancey urge the Southern sympathizers " by one organized, 
concerted action, to precipitate the Cotton States into revolution." 
Throughout the campaign the idea of Secession as a result of 
the election of Abraham Lincoln is discussed freely in speeches, 
at public meetings, and in the press of certain districts. The 
idea, at first merely hinted, steadily gains ground, and measures 
looking toward such an alternative are carefully considered. 
The Southerners inveigh loudly against what they call North- 
ern duplicity; their complaint being that, while the Republicans 
profess that their anxiety is that Slavery should not be per- 
mitted in any new State or Territory, they are in reality intent 
on destroying the Slave-system of the South, the system by 
which the chief industries of the South, the sugar and cotton 
culture, are conducted. As the day of election draws near, 
the conflict waxes more fierce; the South openly declares 
through her Senators and Congressmen, through her news- 
papers, and in public and private meetings, that " the die is now 
cast, " and that if the Republicans elect their President, the 
" South will go out of the Union." 

After a campaign of tremendous excitement in all parts of 
Union, the Presidential election (7 Nov.) shows the following 
vital results: popular vote, Lincoln and Hamblin, 1,857,610; 
Douglas and Johnson, 1,291,574; Breckenrklge and Lane, 850,- 
082; Bell and Everett, 646,124; electoral vote, Lincoln, 180; 
Breckenrklge, 72; Bell, 39; Douglas, 12. 

The Slave-States are said to be almost as much elated as the 
Republicans. The way is now clear for Secession. By pre- 
vious arrangement the S. Carolina Legislature is in session 
in Nov., when Lincoln is elected, and is the first to take 
action in the direction of open rebellion; a Bill is introduced 
(10 Nov.) to raise and equip 10,000 volunteers, and (10 Nov.) 
a Convention is ordered to consider the question of Secession. 
The Georgia Legislature votes $1,000,000 to arm the State, 
and orders a Convention (18 Nov.); the Louisiana Legislature 
meets in extra session (10 Dec), votes to elect a Convention, 
and appropriates $500,000 to arm the State. The S. Carolina 
Convention meets (17 Dec.) at Columbia, S. C, with D. F. 
Jamison as president, and unanimously adopts an ordinance 
of Secession, 20. The State seizes (28 Dec.) the Custom 
House, the Post Office, and the Arsenal, occupies Casle 
Pinckney and Fort Mo^tr'.c, adopts (31 Dec.) an oath of 
abjuration and allegiance, sends Commissioners to the other 
Slave-States with a view to form a Southern Confederacy. 

The great chain of railways from Maine to Louisiana is com- 
pleted (Jan.), making a continuous railway of over 2,000 miles, 
from Bangor to New Orleans. ~> 

The New York World makes its first appearance (June). 

This year is remarkable for the growth of the petroleiHD 



196 History of the United States, 

1860. business; the Alleghany River valley becomes a wilderness of 
oil derricks; it is estimated that in Pennsylvania alone 2000 
wells are bored. 

The national expenses for the year amount to $77,055,125: 
the debt is $64,769,703; the value of imports, $362,162,541; and 
of exports, $400,122,296. 

1861. The year opens with dark forbodings. Trade is generally 

depressed. The greatest anxiety prevails concerning public 
affairs. Gov. Ellis, of N. C, takes possession of Fort Macon, 
at Beaufort (2 Jan.), the works at Wilmington, and the U. S. 
Arsenal at Fayetteville. On the same day, troops from Georgia 
seize Forts Pulaski and Jackson, and the U. S. Arsenal at 
Savannah. 

National Fast-day by proclamation of the President (4 Jan .). 
Observed generally by North and Border States, but signifi- 
cantly disregarded by the South. Fort Morgan, at the moutl 
of Mobile Harbor, and the U. S. Arsenal at Mobile, are seized by 
State troops at the command of Gov. Moore, of Ala. The Con- 
vention of South Carolina agrees to send delegates to the forth- 
coming "General Congress of the Seceding States." 

Steamer Star of the West is chartered and sent from New York 
to Fort Sumter, to reinforce Major Anderson (5 Jan.). South 
Carolina Convention adjourns. 

State Conventions of Alabama and Mississippi meet (7 Jan.): 
meeting of the Legislatures of Tennessee and Virginia. Senator 
Toombs makes his famous secession speech. 

Forts Johnson and Caswell are seized (8 Jan.); Secretary 
Thompson retires from the Interior Department. 

First shot of the Rebellion fired (9 Jan.); the Star of the West 
arrives off Charleston and is fired upon by the forts on Morris 
Island, and driven back to sea. Mississippi secedes from the 
Union; the Convention passes the ordinance of Secession by 
84 to 15. Florida secedes by a vote of 62 to 7 (10 Jan.). Ala- 
bama secedes, the ordinance passing by 61 to 39 (11 Jan.). 
Seizure of TJ. S. Arsenal at Baton Rouge, Ports Phillip and 
Jackson, and Port Pickens on Lake Ponchartrain, by Louisiana. 
New York Legislature votes to offer the President the whole 
military power of the State for the support of the Constitution. 
The Pensacola Navy Yard is seized by rebels, and the cutter 
Lems Cass is seized at New Orleans (12 Jan.). 

The S. Carolina Legislature declares that any attempt to re- 
inforce Fort Sumter would be accepted as an act of war (14 
Jan.). The Senators from Mississippi withdraw from the 
Senate. 

In the Senate, Mr. Clark's resolution that the Constitution 
ought to be preserved and Secession put down, is carried in 
opposition to the Crittenden Compromise (16 Jail.), Arkansas 
and Missouri vote to hold a Convention. Maj.-Gen. Sanford, 
of N. Y. City, tenders the President the services of the First 
Division of 7000 men for any service he may desire. Col Hayne, 
in the name of Gov. Pickens, demands of the President the 
surrender of Fort Sumter; the President refuses to recognize 
the Col. in any official capacity* 



History of the United States. 197 

1861. Batteries commanding the Mississippi are erected at Vieks- 
burg (17 Jan.). 

Georgia secedes, adopting the ordinance of Secession by 208 
to 89 (19 Jan.). 

Alabama members of Congress resign, in consequence of 
which Jefferson Davis leaves the Senate (21 Jan.). 

The Louisiana Legislature passes the Secession ordinance by 
113 to 17 (26 Jan.). 

The Texas Convention pass the ordinance of Secession by 
166 to 7 (1 Feb.). Seizure of the Mint and Custom House at 
New Orleans (1). 

The Delegates of the u Free and Independent Sovereignties," 
as the Seceding States call themselves, meet at Montgomery, 
Ala. (4 Feb.), to organize a Confederate Government. Howell 
Cobb is chosen chairman. On the same day, ex-President 
Tyler presides over a Peace Congress in Washington. The 
Montgomery Convention organize a provisional government 
(9 Feb.), under the title of "The Confederate States of America." 
Jefferson Davis, of Mississppi, is elected President, and Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, of Georgia, Vice-President. 

Abraham Lincoln leaves his home in Springfield, for "Wash- 
ington (11 Feb.); many of his personal friends accompany him 
to the depot, where he gives a brief address that is as simple as 
impressive. 

The electoral vote is counted (13 Feb.\ and Lincoln and 
Hamlin are officially declared elected. 

Jefferson Davis is inaugurated President of the Confederate 
States of America (18 Feb.); he appoints his Cabinet (21 Feb.): 
Toombs, Secretary of State; Memminger, Secretary of the 
Treasury; L. P. Walker, Secretary of War. Several New 
York vessels are seized by order of the Gov. of Georgia. 

Abraham Lincoln travels by night from Harrisburg to Wash- 
ington, to prevent an anticipated outrage in Baltimore (22 Feb.). 
Gen. Twiggs surrenders Government property in Texas, 
amounting to the sum of $1 ,200,000, to the Confederacy (23 Feb.), 
and is expelled from the army (1 March). 

Abraham, Lincoln is inaugurated President (4 March). The 
oath of office is administered by Chief Justice Taney. In his 
inaugural address, Lincoln expresses kindly feelings toward the 
people of every portion of the Republic; announces his deter- 
mination to administer the Government impartially for the pro- 
tection of every citizen and every interest; but at the same time 
declares that he will enforce the laws, protecting public prop- 
erty, and re-possess that which had been seized by insurgents. 
Notwithstanding the unsettled state of affairs, the usual 
pageant of an Inauguration Ball is seen in the evening 
Th3 CtltC Ccn'/ention declares Texas out of the Union (4). 
P/esident Lincoln sends the following nominations for his 
Cabinet to the Senate (5 March): William H. Seward, N. Y., 
Secretary of State; Salmon P. Chase, Obio, Secretary of the 
Treasury; Simon Cameron, Penn., Secretary of War; Gideon 
Wells, Conn., Secretary of the Navy; Caleb Smith, Ind., 
Secretary of the Interior; Montgomery Blair, Md., Postmaster- 
General j and Edward Bates, Mo., Attorney-General; the nom- 



198 History of the United States. 

1861. inatlons are confirmed by tne Seuate. Gen. Beauregard taices 
command of the Rebel forces at Charleston (5). 

The vote of Louisiana for and against Secession is published 
(28 May): for Secession, 20,448; against, 17,296. 

The Virginia Convention refuses by a vote of 89 to 45 to sub- 
mit a Secession ordinance to the people (4 April). 

Gen. Beauregard demands the surrender of Fort Sumter (11 
April), to which Anderson replies that he will evacuate the 
fort in five days if he receives no supplies from his Govern- 
ment. Fears are entertained concerning the possible seizure of 
Washington; troops are posted all about the Capitol, and the 
oath of fidelity is administered to the men. 

The Civil war begins (12 April); Gen. Beauregard at 4:30 a. 
m., opens fire with 30 heavy guns and 17 mortars on Fort Sum- 
ter. The fort is defended by about 70 men, who fight valiantly, 
in the hope that the naval expedition which they knew had 
been sent for their relief may arrive in time to raise the seige. 
But a heavy storm prevents the succor arriving iu time. Ihe 
rebels fire at intervals all through the night, but Sumter re- 
mains silent. 

About 7 o'clock, a. m. (13 April), Fort Sumter opens fire. 
In two hours the quarters of the officers are all in a blaze; at 
10 o'clock the flag is shot down; by noon the whole fort is on 
fire, and the gravest anxieties are expressed concerning the 
gunpowder stored in the fort: 90 barrels are rolled into the sea; 
and now, hopeiess of aid, without provisions, and utterly pow- 
erless, Major Anderson agrees to evacuate the fort. Senator 
Wigfall bears the flag of truce. 

Major Anderson and his men march out of Fort Sumter (14 
April) bearing the torn flag, the whole garrison retiring to the 
government vessels hovering outside the harbor. They sail 
immediately to New York. 

The news of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sum- 
ter creates the wildest excitement(15 April). President Lincoln 
issues a proclamation calling for 75,000 volunteers to repress 
the rebellion. He also commands all rebels to return to peace 
and loyalty in 20 days. All (he country is in a fever of wild 
unrest. The Legislature of New York meets and votes 30,000 
men and $3,000,000 t© put down the rebellion. The Secretary 
of War issues a requisition to the several States to send their 
prescribed quotas of the sinews of war. In every city, town, 
and village in the Free-labor States, the banner of the Union is 
raised. Public meetings are held, and every indication is manifest 
that the country at large realizes that the long-dreaded crisis 
has come. The Seceders are no less enthusiastic. Georgia, 
the Carolinas, and Virginia ring with the cry, "On to Washing- 
ton! *• Regiments are formed everywhere to resist °!iy attempt 
to force the seceded States back into the Union. Le iioy ?to$K) 
Walker, Jefferson Davis's Secretary of War, prophecies con- 
cerning the Confederate flag: "The flag that now flaunt* the 
hreeze here will float over the dome of the old Capitol at 
Washington before the first of May. Let them try Southern 
chivalry, and test the extent of Southern resource*, ay/l it may 
float eventually over Faneuil Hall . in Boston." * 



History of the United States. 199 

1861. In the Virginia Convention It is resolved (17 April) in secret ses- 
sion, by a vote of 60 to 53, to submit the Secession Ordinance 
to the people. Jefferson Davis issues a proclamation offering 
Letters of Marque and Reprisal to all who wish to engage in 
privateering. 

The loyal troops passing through Baltimore on their way to 
Washington are assailed by a fierce and angry mob (19 April). 
After bearing for a time a storm of paving-stones and other 
deadly missiles, the 6th Massachusetts Regiment, under com- 
mand of their Colonel, fire on the mob. A scene of indescribable 
confusion ensues. Two soldiers are killed and 7 wounded, 
while 11 rioters are killed and many wounded. The Mayor of 
Baltimore informs the President that no more troops can pass 
through Baltimore without fighting their way. The steamer 
Star of the West is seized off Indianola, Texas, by Confederates 
under the command of Col. Van Dorn. President Lincoln 
issues a proclamation by which the ports of S. Carolina.Florida, 
Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas are declared to be 
in a state of blockade (19). 

A great mass meeting is held in New York, under the presi- 
dency of John A. Dix (20 April); Major Anderson is present. 

The Federal Government takes possession of the Philadelphia 
and Baltimore Railroad (21 April). 

The Arsenal at Harper's Ferry is burned by its garrison (21 
April). 

Governor Letcher proclaims Virginia a member of the South- 
ern Confederacy (25 April). 

President Lincoln includes Virginia and N. Carolina in the 
blockade (27 April). 

The Maryland House of Delegates vote against Secession, 63 
to 13 (29 April). 

The Connecticut Legislature votes $2,000,000 for public 
defense (3 May). 

President Lincoln calls for 42,000 three-years' volunteers, 
22,000 troops for the regular army to serve " during the war," 
and 18,000 men for the navy (3 May). 

Tennessee secedes (6 May). 

N. Carolina secedes (i0 May). 

Thirteen thousand troops cross the Potomac into Virginia (24 
May). Alexandria is occupied by Federal troops. Col. Ells- 
worth is shot and killed by Jackson, at Alexandria, and Jackson 
is killed by a soldier of Ellsworth's. Arlington Heights are oc- 
cupied by Union troops. Gen. Butler declares all slaves con- 
traband of war. All postal service in the seceded States is 
suspended. 

Hon. S. A. Douglas dies in Chicago (3 June); he was born at 
Brandon, Vt., 23 April, 1813. 

The Battle of Big Bethel is fought (10 June), and Major Win- 
throp is killed; the Union troops under General Pierce are 
repulsed. 

A Fast-day is observed in the Rebel States (13 June). 

The Confederates evacuate Harper's Ferry, after destrojii * 
all available property (14 June). 

A Western Va. Convention unanimously votes its Indep^ 



200 History of the United States. 

1861. dence of the seceding section of the States (IV June). Six 
seceders are killed in a street right in St. Louis. At the Battle of 
Booneville, Mo., the Rebels are routed with a loss of 50 (17). 
General Patterson crosses the Potomac at Williamsport (17 June). 

General McClellan assumes command of the army in Western 
Virginia (20 June). 

Forty-eight locomotives belonging to the Baltimore and Ohio 
Kailroad, valued at $720,000, are destroyed by the Confeder* 
ates (23 June). Balloon reconnaissances commence, 23. 

The Secession vote in Virginia (25 June) stands 128,884 for 
Secession, 32,134 against. 

Iowa votes a war loan of $600,000 (25). 

In a skirmish at Patterson's Creek, Va., 17 Confederates and 
1 Union man are killed (26 June). 

The first war loan of the U.S. Government is asked for, $250,- 
000,000 (1 July). At the battle at Buckhannon, Va., the Con- 
federates are routed, with 23 killed and 200 prisoners (1 July). 
Skirmish at Falling Water, Va. (1 July). 

Congress meets in extra session (4 July). New Hampshire 
votes a $1,000,000 loan for the war (4). A great Union meeting 
is held in San Francisco (4). 

At the battle of Carthage, Mo., the Rebels lose 350 killed and 
wounded. 

The Western Department, consisting of Illinois and the 
States and Territories west of the Mississippi and east of the 
Rocky Mountains, is put under the command of General J. C. 
Fremont, with headquarters at Sr. Louis (6 July). 

At the battle of Carrickford, Va., General Garnett is killed 
(13). President Lincoln is authorized to call out the militia, 
and accept the services of 500,000 men (13). 

The first skirmish of Bull's Run takes place (18 July) at 
Blackburn's Ford, between Union troops under General Tyler, 
and Confederates under General Beauregard; after three hours' 
hard fighting, Gen. Tyler orders his men to fall back to Centre- 
ville; the Union loss is 19 killed, 38 wounded, and 26 missing. 

The Confederate Congress meets at Richmond (20 July). 

The celebrated battle of Bull's Run is fought (21 July); Gen. 
Beauregard lies at Manassas with a Confederate force variously 
estimated at from 30,000 to 40,000 men. His position is on the 
banks of a little stream in a narrow wooded valley, the ground 
rising on either side into "bluffs" crowned with frequent 
patches of dense wood. Gen. McDowell, with an army of not less 
than 18,000 men, fords the narrow stream, and at about 10 
o'clock in the morning commences the attack; from the heights 
! on the northern bank of the stream, the Federal army plays 

upon the Confederate troops; and the battle spreads far into the 
e3£T3tZ2.~V> tr woods. After fighting for ten hours, the Union 
army is on "the point of winning the day, when an unaccount- 
able panic seizes the troops, and nearly the whole Federal force 
retreats toward Washington in the utmost disorder. The Union 
losses are 479 killed, 1011 wounded, and 1500 prisoners; Beau- 
regard reports the Confederate losses at 393 killed and 1200 
wounded. The Southerners are exultant at this victory, and 
regard it as an omen of the final victory of their cause. 



History of the United States. 201 

General McClellan is placed in command of fihe Potomac 
army (22 July). The three-months' volunteers begin to return 
home (22 July). 

The Confederates retreat from Harper's Ferry to Leesburg 
(1 Aug.). Gen. McClellan commences to reorganize the Fed- 
eral army (1 Aug.). 

The war-tax and tariff bills are passed by Congress (2 
Aug.) ; 500,000 men are to be raised. The battle of Dug 
Springs, Mo., is fought (2); the Confederate losses are 40 killed 
and 44 wounded • the Union losses, 8 killed and 30 wounded. 
Fort Fillmore, New Mexico, is traitorously surrendered by 
Major Lynde with 750 men (2). Confederate vessels and stores 
are sunk in Pokomoke Sound (2). 

Congress passes the Confiscation Bill, and the bill for raising 
$20,000,000 by direct taxation (3 Aug.). 

Galveston is bombarded (5 Aug.). At the battle of Athens, 
Mo., the Confederates are defeated with a loss of 40 men (5). 
The extra session of Congress closes (6 Aug.). 
The battle of Wilson's Creek, near Springfield, Mo., is fought 
(10 Aug.); Gen. Lyon, with 5200 men, attacks 24,000 Confeder- 
ates under McCulloch; Gen. Lyons is killed while heading a 
charge; the Confederate loss is 420 killed and 1300 wounded; 
Union loss, 263 killed, and 721 wounded. 
President Lincoln appoints 26 Sep. as a fast-day (12 Aug.). 
The 7th Ohio regiment are surprised by the enemy during 
breakfast hour, but gallantly fight their way out (26 Aug.). 

The Kentucky Legislature meets (2 Sep.); in the Senate the 
vote is 27 for Union and 11 for Secession; in the House, 76 for 
Union and 24 for Secession. 

Massacre on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad (3 Sep.). 
The bridge at Platte is burned, and 17 lives are lost. 

President Lincoln makes certain modifications in Fremont's 
Emancipation proclamation (11 Sep.). ■* 

General Fremont takes the field in the cause of the Union (27 
Sep.). Skirmishes take place at many places without any great 
loss on either side. Within one week, Black River, Gowans- 
ville, Tuscrombia, Osceola, Papinsville, Hunter, Shanghae, in 
Missouri; Columbus, Barboursville, Ellcott's Mills, Smithland, 
Lucas Bend, and Hopkinsville, in Kentucky; and Romney, 
Catoctin Mountain, Levvinsville, Chapmanville, Munson's Hill, 
and Great Falls, in Virginia, become scenes of conflict. 

Fifteen hundred Confederates attack Wilson's Zouaves at 
Santa Rosa Island (9 Oct.); the Zouaves, with the help of Fert 
Pickens, win the day. 

The Confederate ironclad Merrimac makes its first appear- 
ance in sight of Fort Monroe (7 Oct.). The Confederate 
steamer Theodore, with Mason and Slidcii on board, escapes 
from Charleston, S. C. 

Gen. Fremont and Secretary Cameron hold a conference. An 
attempt is made to burn the blockading fleet lying at the mouth 
of the Mississippi; the Confederate ram is disabled. 

Secretary Seward sends a circular to the Governors of States 
advising sea-coast and lake defences (14 Oct.) f «= 



202 History of the United States. 

1861. The Confederates are defeated at Linn Creek, Mo. (15 Oct.). 
The hattle of Edward's Ferry is fought (21 Oct.); Gen. Stone's 
division of 1500 men are attacked by double then number dur- 
ing a reconnaisance on the Potomac. After a fierce contest the 
Union men are driven back, and re-crossing the river in great 
confusion, many are drowned. 

Major Zagonyi, with part of Gen. Fremont's body-guard, 
makes a gallant charge upon and utterly routs a Confederate 
force of 2000 at Springfield, Mo. (2G Oct.). 

The second naval expedition, consisting of 80 vessels and 
15,000 men, sails from Fortress Monroe (29 Oct.). The naval 
forces are under Commodore Dupont; the land forces under 
Gen. Sherman. 

Lieut.-Gen. Scott resigns as Commander-in-Chief of the 
armies of theU. S. (31 Oct.); Gen. McClellan is appointed in his 
place (1 Nov.). 

A party in Missouri pass an ordinance of Secession (2 Nov.}. 

Maj.-Gen. Fremont is removed from his command (2 Nov.), 
and is succeeded by Gen. Hunter in the command of the West- 
ern Department. Gen . Fremont returns to St. Louis, and is 
received there with the most enthusiastic tokens of regard. 

Capt. Wilkes, of the U. S. Navy, on the San Jacinto, stops 
the British mail-steamer Trent, and takes off Mason and Slidell, 
the Confederate Commissioners, as prisoners (8 Nov.), and takes 
them to Boston (19 Nov.). 

Gen. Fremont's staff are dismissed (12 Nov.). 

The Confederate Congress meets at Richmond (18 Nov.). 

Mason and Slidell are placed in Fort Warren (24 Nov.). 

A party in Kentucky pass an ordinance of Secession (30 Nov.). 

Gen. McClellan directs the observance of the Sabbath in all 
the camps of the U. S. Army (30 Nov.). 

Lord Lyons, the British Minister at Washington, is instructed 
by the British Government (30 Nov.) to leave America within 7 
days, unless the U. S. Government consent to the unconditional 
liberation of Mason and Slidell. 

Jefferson Davis is elected President of the Confederate States 
for six years (30). 

Congress votes thanks to Capt. Wilkes for capturing Mason 
and Slidell (2 Dec); the foreign envoys at Washington protest 
against this act (3 Pec). 

News comes from England of a strong feeling concerning the 
arrest of Mason and Slidell (15 Dec); the attitude assumed is 
threatening; troops are sent to Canada by the British Govern- 
ment as a precaution against military trouble. 

Mason and Slidell are surrendered to the British Minister, 
Lord Lyons (27 Dec). 

Banks in New York and elsewhere suspend cash payments 
(30 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year are $85,387,313 ; the debt 
is $90,867,828; the imports are $345,650,153 ; and the exports, 
$228,699,486. * 

1862. Mason and Slidell leave Fort Warren and sail for England on the 

British steamer Binaldo (1 Jan.). 



History of the United States. 203 

Waldo P.Johnson and Trustan Polk, of Missouri, are expelled 
from the Senate (10). 

Simon Cameron resigns his position as Secretary of War (11 
Jan.); E. M. Stanton is appointed in his place. A gunboat 
action takes place near Columbus, Ky. (11). The Confederates 
burn the bridges on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad (11). 

Thomas defeats the Confederates at Mill Springs, or Somer- 
set, Ky • the Confederate General, Zollicoffer, is killed (19). 

The Federals sink hulks filled with stone in the channels of 
Charleston Harbor (23 Jan.). 

The Federal Government decides that the crews of all captured 
privateers are to be regarded as prisoners of war (3 Feb.). The 
Confederate steamer Nashville is ordered to leave Southampton 
harbor, Eng.; the U. S. steamer Tuscarora endeavors to fol- 
low, but is stopped by an English frigate. 

Commodore Foote,with 7 gunboats, attacks Fort Hemy on the 
Tennessee River; the Confederate commander, Gen. Tilghman, 
surrenders the fort unconditionally (6 Feb.). 

Gen. Burnside captures 6 forts on Roanoke Island (7, 8 Feb.). 

Elizabeth City, N. C, is surrendered to Gen. Burnside's 
forces (10 Feb.). 

Grant captures FortDonelson, with 15,000 prisoners (16 Feb.). 

The Confederate Congress meets at Richmond (19 Feb.). 

Grant captures Nashville, Tenn. (23 Feb.). 

Jefferson Davis is inaugurated at Richmond as President, and 
A. H. Stephens, as Vice-President, of the Southern Confederacy 
(22 February). 

Congress passes an Act for the additional issue of Treasury 
Notes (22 Feb.); by it, $10,000,000 in notes of less than $5 are 
authorized in addition to the $50,000,000 previously authorized. 

President Lincoln approves the Legal Tender Act passed by 
Congress (25 Feb.); by it, the Secretary of the Treasury is 
authorized to issue notes of not less than $5 to the amount of 
$150,000,000, not bearing interest, payable in Washington and 
New York, the notes to be legal tender for all debts, public 
and private, and to be received and paid by the Government 
for all purposes except duties on imports and interest on the 
public debt; those to be paid ingold. 

The Confederates evacuate Columbus (27 Feb.). The Fed- 
erals occupy Charlestown, Va. (28 Feb.). 

Two Union gunboats and a Confederate battery have, a fight 
at Pittsburg Landing (1 March). 

The Confederate iron-plated steamer Merrimac, in Hampton 
Roads, sinks the Federal ship Cumberland, and compels the 
Congress to surrender (8 March); but is repulsed by the Federal 
iron-clad floating battery Monitor (9 March). 

Gen. McClellan takes command of the Army of the Potomac 
(11 March); Gen. Fremont of the Mountain Department, and 
Gen. Halleck of the Mississippi (11). 

A severe battle commences at Pittsburg Landing between xhe 
Federals under Grant and the Confederates under Johnston and 
Beauregard; and Grant is driven from his position with severe 
loss (6 April). With the aid of Gen. Buell's reinforcements 
Grant recaptures (7 April) the camps from which he had been 



204 History of the United States. 

1862. driven. Over 100,000 men are engaged in this sanguinary 
battle, and about 10,000 are killed and wounded on each side, 
Gen. Johnston being among the killed. 

Congress passes a bill abolishing slavery in the District of 
Columbia (11 April); the Act provides for a Commission to 
remunerate loyal owners; not over $300 a slave is to be paid; 
and $1,000,000 is appropriated for the purpose; $100,000 are 
also appropriated for then colonization. An Act is also passed 
abolishing Slavery in the " Territories of the United States." 

The taking of New Orleans (24 April) by a naval force under 
CommodoreFarragut, aided by a land force under Gen. But- 
ler, is one of the most remarkable exploits of this eventful year. 
The city is strongly defended; 75 miles below it are two strong 
forts; and below these a chain is stretched across the river with 
earth- works at each end; between the forts and the chain 
are 5 rafts rilled with inflammable material, besides 13 guuboats, 
an iron-clad floating battery, and an iron ram. Commodore 
Farragut cannonades the forts in vain, but saves his vessels from 
the burning rafts by seizing and extinguishing each as it floats 
down. At last he decides to attempt to run by the forts with 
his fleet. He accordingly gets underway, and while the forts, 
the steamers, and the battery all pour then fire upon the fleet, 
it steams steadily up the river till all danger is passed; the Union 
vessel Varuna alone sinks or disables 6 Confederate steamers; 
Farragut anchors off the quarantine station (24 April); and takes 
possession of New Orleans (25). 

Gen. Butler enters New Orleans with a land-force and pro- 
claims martial law (1 May). 

Morgan, the Guerrilla Chief, captures the Union troops at 
Pulaski, Tenn. (2 May). 

President Lincoln visits Fortress Monroe (6 May). 

The Confederates evacuate Pensacola and destroy the Navy- 
yard (9 May). Battle at Farmington, Miss. (9). Gen. Hunter 
issues his emancipation proclamation (9). 

The iron-clad steamer Merrimac is blown up by the Confed- 
erates to prevent its capture by the Union forces (11 May). 

Natchez, Miss., surrenders to Farragut (12 May). 

The Confederates are defeated and driven across the Chicka- 
hominy, at Bottom Bridge (17 May). 

The Seward-Lyons treaty between Great Britain and the U. 
S. for the suppression of the slave-trade is ratified (20 May). 

General Pope is assigned to the command of the Army of 
Virginia (26 June).' 7 1 he Confederates, under Gen. Robert E. 
Lee, attack McClellan's right wing at Mechanicsville (26). «> 

President Lincoln gives approval to an Act of Congress grant- 
ing aid for the construction of a railroad from the Missouri to 
the Pacific Ocean (1 July); the Act grants a subsidy of $16,000 
in Government bonds per mile, for the portion between the 
Missouri and the base of the Rocky Mountains; $48,000 a mile 
for a distance of 150 miles through the Rockies; $32,000 per 
mile between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada; 
$48,000 per mile across that range; and $32,000 per mile for the 
California section. The Act also grants to the Co. a right of 
way 400 feet in width for the whole distance, and a grant of 



History of the United States. 205 

186». 12,800 acres of land on the line of the road, for each mile of 
the railway constructed. 

President Lincoln, in response to the official requests of the 
Governors of 18 States, calls for 300,000 volunteers (1 July). The 
battle of Malvern Hills closes a seven days' struggle with the 
repulse of the Confederates (1). 

Gen. Halleck is appointed Commander of all the land-forces 
of the U. S. (11 July). 

The Confederates capture Cynthiana, Ky. (17). President 
Lincoln sanctions a bill confiscating the property and emanci- 
pating the slaves of all persons who shall continue in arms 
against the Union for 60 days (17). 

Skirmish with slight loss to the Union forces at Memphis, 
Tenn. (19). 

Gen. Halleck orders Gen. McClellan to evacuate the Peninsula 
of Virginia (3 Aug.). 

The War Department issues an order (4 Aug.) for a draft of 
300,000 more men for the service of the U. S., to serve for nine 
months, unless previously discharged; it is also directed that if 
any State shall not by the J5th of August furnish its quota of 
men, by volunteers, the deficiency shall be made up by a 
special draft from the militia. " 

Gen. Robert McCook is murdered by Confederates, while 
wounded and riding in an ambulance (5 Aug.). Gen. J. C. 
Breckenridge makes an unsuccessful attack on Baton Rouge, 
La. (5). 

The Habeas Corpus Act is ordered to be suspended (8 Aug.). 
Orders are also Issued for the arrest of all persons found dis- 
couraging enlistments, proSnbiting the issuance of passports, 
and enjoining newspaper correspondents from accompanying 
the armies (8). 

Battle of Cedar Mountain (9 Aug.). 

The Confederates are defeated and driven back in their 
attempt to cross the Rapidan (16). 

The Army of the Potomac evacuates Harrison Landing (16). 

Gen. Wright is placed in command of the Department of the 
Ohio (19). 

The Confederates get possession of Manassas (26). 

The Federals are defeated at the second battle of Bull Run, 
and retreat under cover of the night (30). 

The terrible battle of Chantilly is fought in the midst of a 
thunder-storm (1 Sep.); Gen. Kearney is shot by a Confederate 
soldier of whom he made some enquiry by mistake, supposing 
him to be a Union soldier: Gen. Stevens is also killed. Gen. 
Burnside's army evacuate Fredericksburg (1). Union troops 
evacuate Lexington, Ky. (1). The Confederates are expected 
to attack Louisville (1), and there is great excitement in Ciia- 
cinnati. 

Gen. Lee ,. flushed with success, crosses the Potomac with his 
army (5 Sep.), and marches to Frederick, the bands playing 
u Maryland, my Maryland." Gen. Bragg enters Kentucky oa 
hisgrand raid (5). 

The Confederates occupy Frederick (6). 

The Alabama captures the whaler Ocmulgee (6). 



206 History oj cne Wilted States. 

1802. Gen. Bank9 is assigned to the command of the fortification* 
in and around Washington (7). Gen. McClellan takes the field 
at the head of the Army of the Potomac (7). Cumberland Gap 
is evacuated by the Federals (7). 

The Confederates evacuate Frederick (9). 

McClellan enters Frederick (12), and secures a copy of Lee's 
orders to march; finding from the enemy's plans that Harper's 
Ferry is threatened, he moves slowly after their main body (12). 

Lee, at bay, takes a strong position behind Antietam Creek 
(14); a desperate struggle ensues at the Bridge, and both forces 
are nearly destroyed; reinforcements come up, and Harper's 
Ferry surrenders (15); the Confederates attempt to blockade 
the Ohio (15); and then re-cross the Potomac into Virginia (18). 

President Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation (22 
Sep.) : " That on the first day of January, in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons 
held as slaves within any State, the people whereof shall then 
be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thence- 
forth, and forever free ; and the Executive Government of the 
United States, including the military and naval authority 
thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such per- 
sons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any 
of them, in any effort they may make for their personal free- 
dom." The President expounds the meaning of this proclama- 
tion in the following Message to Congress: " In giving freedom 
to the slave, we assure freedom to the free, honorable alike 
in what we give, and what we preserve. We shall nobly save, 
or meanly lose, the last best hope of earth. The way is plain, 
peaceful, glorious, just— a way which, if followed, the world 
will forever applaud, and God must forever bless." 

The slaves having been decided (Dred Scott's case) to be 
property, could be confiscated by the army, the same as any 
other property, as "contraband of war," and had been so de- 
clared by Gen. Butler. After the capture and confiscation of 
this property, the question of its disposition became an embar- 
rassing- one to the generals in the field, and this proclamation 
made the captured slave a freedman. The proclamation ap- 
plied only to slaves owned by persons in rebellion, captured 
and brought within the federal lines; but its political effect was 
to commit the Republican party to an emancipation policy. 

A Convention of loyal Governors is held at Altoona, Penn. 
(24 Sep.). 

President Lincoln visits McClellan's army and urges an im- 
mediate movement across the ^otomac (1 Oct.); Gen. Buell's 
army leaves Louisville (]). 

The battle of Corinth (3). 

Drafting takes place in Boston and Baltimore (15). 

Gen. McClellan is relieved of the command of the Army of 
the Potomac (5 Nov.), and is succeeded by Gen. Burnside (5). 

President Lincoln enjoins on the forces the orderly observ- 
ance of the Sabbath (16). 

A general order is issued by the Government for the release 
of all State prisonei-s (22 Nov.). 

Gen. Banks's expedition saris for New Orleans (6 Dec.). 




Leaders of the Rebellion. 

1. JEFFERSON DAVIS. 2. A. H. STEPHENS. 3. ROBERT TOOMBS. 
4. J. P. BENJAMIN. 5. J. H. REAGAN. 



History of the United States. 207 

1862. Fredericksburg is bombarded by the Union troops (11 Dec), 
under cover of which they cross the Rappahannock. 

Gen. Banks supersedes Gen. Butler at New Orleans (14 Dec). 

The Sioux Indians, becoming dissatisfied with the payment of 
money claimed by them, take the war-path (26 Dec); Little 
Crow and other Chiefs perpetrate barbarous outrages in Dakota, 
Iowa, and Minnesota; hundreds of the inhabitants are butch- 
ered; and thousands, driven from their homes, see all they 
possess burned by these remorseless wretches. The savages 
/ are finally routed. Thirty-nine of them are tried, condemned 
to death, and hanged at Mankato, Minnesota (26 Dec). 

The year closes darkly; in some parts of the Southern States 
especially, domestic life begins to feel the pitiless effects of 
civil strife. The money issued by the Confederate Govern- 
ment has steadily depreciated in value. Flour brings $40 per 
barrel; salt $1 per lb.; a pair of boots, $50. Woolen clothing is 
scarce, and the army depend largely on captures from the 
more ample Federal stores. A spool of thread came to be worth 
$20, a pound of sugar, $75, and a pound of black-pepper, $300; 
coffee was a fabulous price, and ground-beans became almost 
equally costly; butter, eggs, and white bread became luxuries 
even for the rich. 

The national expenses for the year are $570,841,700; the debt 
is $514,211,371; the imports are $205,771,729; and the exports, 
$213,069,519. 

1863. President Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation (1 Jan.), 

announced in Sep., 1862. It specifies Arkansas, Texas, Loui- 
siana (certain parishes excepted), Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, 
Georgia, S. Carolina, N. Carolina, and Virginia (West Virginia 
and other portions excepted) as the Rebellious States to which 
the proclamation applies. The excepted parts are for the time 
being left precisely as if the proclamation had not been issued. 
It continues: "I do order and declare that all persons held as 
slaves within said States or parts of States are and henceforth 
shall be free, and that the Executive Government of the United 
States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will 
recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. And I 
hereby enjoin upon the people so declared free, to abstain from 
all violence, unless in necessary self-defence; and I recommend 
to them that in all cases when allowed, they labor for reason- 
able wages. And I further declare and make known that such 
persons of suitable condition will be received into the armed 
service of the United States, to garrison forts, positions, stations, 
and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. 
And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, 
warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke 
the considerate judgment of mankind and the favor of Almighty 
God." The number of slaves made free by this proclamation 
is about 3,120,000. 

Galveston, Texas, is captured by the Confederates under Gen. 
Magruder (1 Jan.); the gunboat Harriet Lane is captured, the 
Westfield is blown up, Commander Renshaw is killed, and tha 
Union garrison of 300 are captured. 



208 tftstory of 'the United States. 

1863. The Confederates commence their retreat from Murfreesboro 
(3 Jan.). The Federal army withdraws from before Vicks- 
burg (3). 

A battle is fought at Springfield, Mo., lasting 10 hours (8 
Jan.); losses equal. Union forces from Yorktown, Va., make 
a raid to the Pamunky River, destroy the ferryboat, a steamer, 
and the railroad depot, and return without loss (8). 

Gen. Burnside is relieved of the command of the Army of 
the Potomac (28 Jan.), and Gen. Hooker is appointed in his 
place. Gen. Sumner and Gen. Franklin are also relieved 
from duty in the Army of the Potomac (28). A steamer and 
300 Confederates are captured near Van Buren, Mo. (28). 

The Charleston blockading fleet is attacked from the harbor 
by three iron-clad steamers, and the Mercedita is sunk (31). 

The Federal ram Queeen of the West runs the blockaae at 
Vicksburg (3 Feb.). The negro brigade take Jacksonville, Fla. 
(2). Ma]. -Gen. Burnside is appointed to command the Depart- 
ment of the Ohio (2). 

Mortar boats open fire upon Vicksburg (18 Feb.). A disloyal 
State Convention at Frankfort, Ky., is dispersed by the 
military (18). 

President Lincoln sanctions (3 March) a Financial Bill which 
has passed Congress, the first section of which authorizes 
a loan of $300,000,000 for the current fiscal year, for which 
bonds are to be issued, payable at such times as the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury may elect, at not less than 10 and not more 
than 40 years. A further clause provides for the issue of 
Treasury Notes to the amount of $400,000,000, to run not more 
than three years, to bear interest at six per cent., and to be legal 
tender. Fractional currency is to be issued to the amount of 
$50,000,000. 

The exigencies of the war render the passing of the "Conscrip- 
tion Acf'a necessity (12 March). By this Act, all able-bodied male 
oitizens, and all persons of foreign birth who have declared their 
intention of becoming citizens, and who have voted, between 
the ages of 20 and 45, are made liable to be called into the ser- 
vice of the country, unless specially excepted. The exceptions 
include the physically or mentally incapable; the only son of 
a widow, or of infirm parents requiring their son's labor fo r 
actual support; the only brother of children without father or 
mother, under twelve, dependent on him for support; and the 
father of motherless children under twelve dependent on him 
for support. The conscripts are divided into two classes: 
first, all below 35 years of age, and all unmarried persons 
between 35 and 45; second, married persons be.tween 35 and 
45. The second class are not to be called into the service till 
the first class are exhausted. It is estimated that, after allow- 
ing for all exceptions, the President has 4,000,000 men he 
may call upon for service. The Act also provides that any per- 
son drafted may be discharged by payment of a sum, not ex- 
ceeding $300, to be fixed by the Secretary of War. 

Admiral Farragut, with seven of his fleet, passes Port Hud- 
son (14 March) after a fierce engagement, in which the Jltm*- 
tippi is disabled, and then burned by the Admiral's orders* * 



'1 




The Constitution and Gurriere. 




The Monitor and the Merrimac. 
Two Famous Naval Engagements. 



History of the United States. 209 

The Federal soldiers burn down the office of the Jeffereonian 
mewspaper, at Richmond, Ind. (15 March). 

Quantrell, the Guerrilla chief, attacks the Federals at Blue 
Springs, and wins a slight victory (22 March). 

A party of blockade-runners are captured at Poplar Creek, 
Ind. (29 March). 

Admiral Farragut, with the Hartford, Switzerland, and Alba- 
tross, engages and passes the grand Gulf batteries (1 April); he 
pursues liis course (8 April) a3 far as Red River, destroying 
Confederate gunboats. 

At Richmond, Va., exasperated women create a bread riot 
(2 April). 

At the battle of Bay Teche, La. (14 April), the Confederates 
are defeated, and three of their gunboats, the Diana, Bart, and 
Queen of the West, are destroyed. The Union loss is 350 men; 
the Confederate loss is not estimated. Gen. Foster escapes from 
Washington, N. C, by running the Confederate blockade in 
the steamer Escort (14). 

Indians give trouble, and a great battle with them is fought 
at Medalia, Minn. (16). 

Porter's fleet of 8 gunboats and several transports runs past 
the batteries at Vicksburg (16). 

The Confederates make a raid on Tompkinsville, Ky. (22 
April), and the Court-house is burned. In Cedar Co., Mo., the 
Guerrillas under Quantrell seize 7 Federal cavalrymen, and 
after shameless treatment, kill them (22). The Union troops 
rout the Confederates at -Strasburg, Va., with a loss of 40 
men (22). 

Gen. Grant's army lands near Port Gibson, Miss. (30 April); 
defeats the Confederates (1 May), taking 500 prisoners; and he 
begins his march to Vicksburg. 

At Monticello, Ky., Gen. Carter, with 5000 men, attacks the 
Confederates under Pegram, and drives them from the field with 
great slaughter (1 May). 

The 6th and 7th Illinois Cavalry, known as "Grierson's Raid- 
ers," reach Baton Rouge, La. (2 May), having covered nearly 
800 miles in 16 days. They had set out on the morning of 17th 
April, 900 strong, under the command of Col. Garrison, had 
marched through the center of Mississippi, destroying as they 
went railroads, bridges, and stores of all kinds belonging to 
the Confederates. At many points in then* adventurous march 
the enemy had made great attempts to capture them, but had 
failed. They bring into Baton Rouge over 1000 horses and 
many head of cattle; and are followed by a band of 500 
jubilant negroes. 

The battle of Chancellorsville takes place between the armies 
of Hooker and Lee (2 May); after a very fierce battle, in which 
the illustrious "Stonewall" Jackson is wounded, by mistake, 
by his own men, the Federals are checked. 

"Stonewall" Jackson dies at Richmond, Va. ^i0 May), of 
wounds and pneumonia, aged 39. 

The ship West Florida is run ashore on Galveston bland by 
the Owasco and Kahtadin (10). Yazoo City, Miss., is captured 



210 History of the United States. 

1863. by gunboats (13); the Confederates flee, and property to the 
value $2,000,000 is destroyed. 

A battle between the Indians and Guerrillas is fought at 
Pontachula, and the Indian camp is utterly destroyed (13). 

At the battle of Champion Hill, Miss., Grant drives the forces 
under Pemberton as far as the Big Black River (16); and the 
Federals, under Grant and Porter, invest Vicksburg (18); they 
assault Vicksburg (22), and are repulsed after a very heavv 
fight, 

The Confederates are defeated at Senatobia, Miss. (25). 

The gunboat Alert is accidentally burned at Norfolk, Va.(31). 

Gen. Hunter is removed from the command of the Depart- 
ment of the South (1 June), and is succeeded by Gen. Gilruore. 

Gen. Burnside lays an embargo on the press, and prohibits 
the circulation in the Department of Ohio of the iV". T. World 
and the Chicago Times (2 June). 

Three throusand Confederate prisoners arrive at Indian- 
apolis (2). 

President Lincoln revokes the orders of Gen. Burnside con- 
cerning the N. T. World and the Chicago Times (4). " 

A large meeting of editors is held in New York, concerning 
the censorship of the press (9). 

Lee marches into Maryland (15 June); great excitement pre- 
vails, and President Lincoln calls for 100,000 men to repel the 
invasion. Lee advances as far north as Chambersburg (16); 
and Gen. Milroy makes another unsuccessful attack on Harper's 
Ferry (16). 

Federal cavalry under Col. Kilpatrick encounter Gen. Fitz- 
hugh Lee's cavalry brigade near Aldie, Va. (17). 

Rear-Admiral Foote dies in New York City (26 June). 

General Hooker, at his own request, is relieved frc" tffte 
command of the Army of the Potomac (29 June), and is suc- 
ceeded by Gen. Meade. Gen. Roseerans drives Gen. Bragg 
from Tullahoma (29). 

The terrible battle of Gettysburg begins (1 July); Gen. Geo. 
G. Meade commands the Union forces, with an army of 80,000; 
Gen. Lee commands the Confederates, with an army equally 
great. This battle may be regarded as the turning-point of the 
war; Lee had resolved to invade the North; he staked every- 
thing on this battle; his plans seemed to be perfect; and the 
valor of his men has not often been equalled in the annals of 
war. The magnificent charge of the Confederates is repulsed 
by the Federals; and after a loss of something like 20,000 men 
on each side, Lee retreats (3), and there is an end forever to any 
idea of invading the North. 

Gen. Grant negotiates with Gen. Pemberton for the surrender 
of Vicksburg, which up to this time has rendered the Missis- 
sippi impassable for vessels, and is regarded as the most impor- 
tant fortified place hi the South-west, being on a high bluff, 
thoroughly defended by batteries in all directions; Grant de- 
mands its unconditional surrender (3). 

XUe celebcation of Independence day is crowned by the con- 
quest of Gettysburg, and the surrender of Vicksburg (4 July) 



History of the United States. 211 

1868. with the forces under Pemberton's command. Gen. Lee retreats 
toward the Potomac. 

The terrible Draft Riot* of New York break out (13 July). 
The clause in the Draft Act which allowed a person drafted to 
purchase exemption for so small a sum as $300 found little 
favor with the people at large, and the laboring classes especial- 
ly felt that this was a law for the rich against the poor. While 
a draft is in progress in the Ninth District, New York, a district 
largely inhabited by working-people, an armed mob attacks the 
Drafting Office, evidently in accordance with a well-laid and 
well-organized plan. The news of the attack spreads through 
the city like wild-fire, and excited mobs assemble at every street 
corner. The fact that the militia regiments had been sent to 
Pennsylvania to withstand a Confederate invasion had been 
taken advantage of by the rioters; and the police were wholly 
insufficient to defend the city, which was practically at the 
mercy of the mob. The first point of attack is the Drafting 
Office; the drafting- wheel is broken to pieces, the lists are scat- 
tered, and the budding is burned. The mob then assail the 
negroes; and with cries of " Down with the Abolitionists I 
Down with the nigger ! Hurrah for Jeff Davis 1 " the negroes 
are hunted down, bruised, hung to lamp-posts, and many, after 
being fearfully mutilated, are brutally killed; men, women, and 
children share a common fate. An asylum for colored children 
ig sacked and burned, the terrified orphans fleeing for refuge to 
whatever shelter they could find. Gangs of desperadoes patrol 
the streets, levying contributions on passers-by, and ordering 
men of business to close their stores. This dreadful reign of 
terror is at last put to an end , but not till hundreds of lives have 
been lost and millions worth of property has been destroyed. 
The draft is resumed. 

President Lincoln, urged by reports of the brutal treatment 
to which the Federal soldiers are subjected by the Confederates, 
issues an order for retaliation (30 July). Kentucky is again 
invaded (30). Kit Carson, with a part of the New Mexico 
regiment, defeats the Navajoe in a severe fight beyond Fort 
Canby (30). 

Hostile Indians are defeated in Minnesota by Gen. Sibley 
(6 Aug.). 

President Lincoln rejects the demand for the suppression of 
the conscription in New York State (7 Aug.). 

Quantrell, the Guerrilla chief, with 300 followers, surprises 
the town of Lawrence, Kan., in the middle of the night (20). 
The town is set on fire, 182 buildings are burned to the ground, 
$2,000,000 worth of property is destroyed; 191 persons are 
killed and 581 wounded. Quantrell lost about 80 of his blood- 
thirsty associates. • 

Presiden* Lincoln suspends the Habeas Corpus Act (15 Sep.). 

The Department of the Cumberland and the Mississippi are 
consolidated under Gen. Grant (20 Oct.). Gen. Rosecrans is 
succeeded by Gen. Thompson (20). 

Union prisoners in a state of starvation arrive at Annapolis 
from Richmond (29 Oct.); others had died on the journey. 

The first Fenian Convention is held in Chicago (7 Nov.). 



212 History of the United States. 

1868. General Sherman's corps forms a junction with Gen. Thomas 
at Chattanooga (16 Nov.). 

The storming and capture of " Lookout Mountain " (24 Nov.); 
Hooker's celebrated " fight above the clouds; " Gen. Bragg is 
defeated (24 Nov.). 

Gen. Longstreet commences the siege of Knoxville (4 Dec). 

Jefferson Davis issues his annual message (7 Dec). U. S. 
Congress re-assembles (7). 

Longstreet' s soldiers begin to desert at the rate of from 20 
to 50 per day (23 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year are $895,796,030; the debt 
is $1,098,793,181; the imports are $252,919,920; and the exports, 
$305,884,998. 
1864. A great meeting is held at Cooper Institute, New York, to 
celebrate the First Anniversary of Freedom (1 Jan.). 

Gen. Marston makes an extensive raid hi Virginia, and cap- 
tures large quantities of stores (12 Jan/). 

Scout reports are forwarded to the effect that 3000 Confeder- 
ates at Port Pelee, Canada, are ready for a dash on Johnson's 
Island (17 Jan.). 

An attempt is made to burn down the house of Jeff. Davis in 
Richmond (19 Jan.). 

President Lincoln orders a draft for 500,000 men (1 Feb.). 

A large number of prisoners, including Col. Streight, escape 
from Libby Prison, Richmond (9 Feb.). One thousand and 
twenty-five bales of cotton, worth $700,000, are burned at Wil- 
mington (9). The Confederates flee from Jacksonville, after 
burning a steamboat and 270 bales of cotton (9). 

Gen. W. T. Sherman, with his troops, leaves Vicksburg ,|3 
Feb.), and arrives at Meridian, Miss., on his great raid into the 
heartof the enemy's country (15 Feb.); he destroys the railway 
communications of the enemy and much stores. 

The Confederate Government salt-works at St. Mark's, Fla., 
are destroyed by gunboats (1 March). Gen. Thomas, reinforced, 
marches against Dalton (1). 

Gen. Grant is appointed to the command of all the armies (9 
March), under the title of Lieut. -General. He plans two simul- 
taneous movements: one against Richmond, Va., by the Army 
of the Potomac, under the command of Gen. Meade; the other 
against Atlanta, Ga., under the direction of Gen. W. T. Sher- 
man, who undertakes to march an army across the interior of 
the rebellious States, from the mountains to the eea. 

The Governors of Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indi- 
ana offer to raise for the General Government 85,000 men for 
a hundred days (23 April); the Government accepts the offer 
(26 April), and appropriates $20,000,000 for payment of the 
men. 

Grant's army moves across the Rapidan, toward Chancellors- 
ville and the Wilderness (3 May). » 

The Bill for Reconstruction is passed (4 May). 

A draft is ordered in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, 
Minnesota, Kentucky, and Maryland (5 May). 

Lee makes a series of unsuccessful attacks upon the Federal 
forces in the Wilderness (5, 6, 7. 8, 10. 11, 12 May); during the 



W^tory of the United States. 213 

*864. first two days, in the bloody fray that lasted from the «awn of 
the 5th to sunset of the 6th, 15,000 men on e;ieh side are 
slaughtered. 

After the battle of Spottsylvania Court House (9-13 May), 
Grant telegraphs to Lincoln that he proposes "to fight it out on 
this line, if it takes all summer." 

Sherman moves from Chattanooga, Tenn. (8 May), on his 
advance to Atlanta. 

Nathaniel Hawthorne dies (16 May), aged 60. 

The S. Carolina Union Convention meets at Beaufort (17 
May). 

Ewell's attack on the Union baggage train in rear of Grant's 
right flank is repulsed (18 May). 

Battle near Dallas; Hooker drives the Confederates two miles; 
losses, 1500 men on each side (25). Grant crosses the Pamun- 
key, occupies Hanovertown (27), and reaches Mechanics- 
ville (30). 

Grant's and Lee's armies confront each other from Hanover 
Court House to Cold Harbor (31). 

A Confederate attack on Hancock's forces is repulsed (5 June). 

Marmaduke, with 3000 men, is defeated at Columbia, Ar- 
kansas (5). 

At the battle of Piedmont, Va., the Confederates lose 1500 
prisoners, 3 guns, 3000 stand of arms, and a great number of 
killed and wounded (5). 

The Philadelphia Sanitary Fair opens (7 June). 

Lincoln is re-nominated for President, and Andrew Johnson 
for Vice-President (8 June). 

Gen. Hancock drives the Confederates from Bottom Bridge 
at the point of the bayonet (12 June). 

The Fugitive-Slave Law is repealed in the House of Repre- 
sentatives (13 June). 

Grant's army crosses the James River (14 June). 

Gen. Leonidas Polk is killed at Pine Mountain, Ga. (14); 
Sherman advances toward Kenesaw (14). 

Confederate privateers have been for some time very destruc- 
tive to American merchant vessels; the Shenandoah has des- 
troyed 34 whale-ships in the Arctic Seas, and the Alabama has 
taken 65 vessels. The Alabama is attacked (19 June) by the U. 
S. S. Kearsarge, Captain Winslow, off Cherbourg, France. 
During the action, the two vessels steam at the rate of 7 miles 
an hour, and swing round one another in circles so as to bring 
their broadsides to bear. After describing 7 of these circles, 
and coming within a quarter of a mile of each other, the Ala- 
bama is sunk, Captain Semmes and his men being picked up by 
an English yacht. 

Secretary Chase resigns (30 June), and Hon. William Fessen- 
den is appointed to fill the vacancy. 

The Confederates, under Early, invade Maryland (5 July). 

The Confederates take 5000 cattle and 1000 horses from 
Montgomery Co., and drive them into Virginia (15 July). 

Sherman's army crosses the Chattahoochee (16 July) in pur- 
suit of Johnston. Johnston is superseded by General Joku B. 
Hood (18). 



214 History o the United States. 

1864. Hood makes a desperate but unsuccessful attack on Sherman's 
lines round Atlanta, losing not less than 20,01)0 killed, wounded, 
and prisoners (22 Jul)) ; Gen. McPherson is killed by a Con- 
federate at this battle. The Louisiana State Convention adopts 
the new Constitution abolishing slavery (22). 

A mine containing six tuns of powder, under a Confederate 
fort at Petersburg, explodes, destroying the fort and garrison 
(30 July). Chambersburg, Pa., is burnt by the Confederates (30). 

Admiral Farragut's fleet passes Forts Morgan and Gaines (5 
Aug.); the Confederate ram Tennessee is captured, and several 
other vessels are destroyed; and Fort Gaines surrenders, and 
Fort Powell is evacuated (5). 

Battle of Sulphur Springs Bridge (11 Aug.). 

Gen. Grant seizes the Weldon Railroad (18 Aug.). 

Fort Morgan surrenders (23 Aug.). 

McClellan is nominated for President by the National Demo- 
cratic Convention at Chicago, and Geo. H. Pendleton for Vice- 
President (29 Aug.). 

Federal troops take possession of Atlanta (2 Sep.). 

Milroy attacks 3000 Confederate cavalry near Murfreesboro, 
Tenn., and drives them towards Triune (3 Sep.). Sheridan's 
army moves forward from Charleston (8). 

The Confederate General John Morgan is killed near Green- 
ville, Tenn. (7 Sep.). 

Sherman's army is concentrated at Atlanta (9 Sep.). 

Grant drives picket lines across Plank Road, and advances 
his permanent line half a mile (10). 

At the battle of Winchester, Sheridan captures 5000 prison- 
ers, all the wounded, and 5 guns (19 Sep.). The steamer Inland 
Queen is captured and sunk on Lake Erie (19). 

Forrest captures Athens, Ala., and forces 500 Union soldiers 
to surrender (20). 

Gen. Grant advances his lines on the north side of the James 
River to within 7 miles of Richmond (28 Sep.). 

The Confederates under Gen. Sterling Price invade Mis- 
souri (28). 

At the battle of Strasbourg, Longstreet and Sheridan tight 
for three hours with no advantage on either side (12 Oct.). 

Sheridan defeats the Confederates at Cedar Creek (19). 

The town of St. Albans, Vt., about 15 miles from the Cana- 
dian frontier, is raided by armed Confederates (19 Oct.); they 
overpower the employes of three banks, fire on and kill several 
persons, steal $200,000 in money, and, taking all the horses 
they can find in the streets or livery stables, escape to Canada, 
where 13 of them are arrested (21). 

Detroit is alarmed (30 Oct.) by reports that a raid is to be 
made on the city during the night; the soldiers are called out, 
and depots and public buildings are guarded, but no raid takes 
place. 

Union troops recapture Plymouth (31 Oct.). 

The Presidential election takes place (8 Nov.); the Republican 
candidates, Abraham Lincoln, President, and Andrew John- 
son, Vice-President, are elected, receiving the electoral votes of 
22 States. 213 In all. The Democratic Party had nominated 




James Buchanan. 



Andrew Johnson. 




J. A. Garfield. 





=1 mi" 

R. B. Hayes. Chester A. Arthur. 

Presidents (Third Group). 



Mistory of the United States. 215 

1864, Gen. George B. McClellan for President, aud Geo. H. Pendleton 
for Vice-President. They secured only the votes of New Jersey, 
Delaware, and Kentucky, 21 in all. McClellan resigns his com- 
mand in the army (8). 

General Sherman begins (16 Nov.) his great march from 
Atlanta to the sea, the army of 60,000 advancing in two 
columns under Generals Howard and Slocum, and largely sub- 
sisting on what could be found in the fertile country through 
which it passed. 

Battle of Pulaski (21 Nov.). The Confederates are defeated 
at Liberty, La., losing 8 guns and 300 prisoners (21). 

At the battle of Franklin (30 Nov.), Hood is repulsed with a 
loss of 5000 men, guns, flags, and 1000 prisoners; the Union 
loss is 1500. 

The blockade of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola ceases 
(1 Dec.)* Gen. Banks resumes the command of the Gulf 
Department (1). 
The second session of the 38th Congress meets (5 Dec). 
Five hundred Indians are killed near Fort Lyon, by Col. 
Chivington's force (9 Dec). 

Gen. Thomas defeats the Confederates under Gen. Hood 
near Nashville, Tenn. (14-16 Dec). 

Sherman storms Fort McAllister (13 Dec), and enters Savan- 
nah (21). 

General Busier and Admiral Porter are repulsed in an attack 
on Wilmington (24-25 Dec). 

The national expenses for the year, including payments on 
loans, are $1,298,144,656; the debt is $1,740,690,489; the im- 
ports are $329,562,895; and the exports, $320,035,199. 
1865. The bulkhead of the Dutch Gap Canal explodes (1 Jan.). The 
U. S. sloop-of-war San Jacinto is lost off the coast of Florida (1). 
Massachusetts ratines the Constitutional Amendment (3 Jan.). 
Gen. Grierson arrives at Vicksburg (5 Jan.), having destroyed 
on his raid 70 miles of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and 30 
miles of the Mississippi Central Railroad, and having captured 
600 prisoners and 1000 contrabands. 

Gen. Sherman resumes his great march northward (6 June). 
Writing of this march, he says: " Christmas found us at Sav- 
annah. Waiting there only long enough to fill our wagons, 
we began another march, which for peril, labor, and results, 
will compare with any ever made by an organized army. The 
floods of the Savannah, the swamps of the Combahee and the 
Edisto, the high hills and rocks of the Santee, the flat quag- 
mires of the Pedee and Cape Fear Rivers, were all passed in 
mid- winter, with its floods and rain, in the face of an accumu- 
lating enemy; and after the battles of Averysborough and 
Bentonsville, we once more came out of the wilderness to meet 
our friends at Goldsboro." 
Fort Fisher is taken (15 Jan.). 
Edward Everett dies (15 Jan.), aged 71. 
The monitor Pa'apsco is sunk off Charleston (17 Jan.). 
A meeting is held at Savannah to thank New York and Bos. 
„dn for their generous supplies of food and clothing (25 Jan.), 



216 History of the United States, 

1865. A debate is held in the Confederate Congress concerning the 
enlistment of negroes (26 Jan.). 

Confederate incendiaries set fire to Savannah (27 Jan.). 
The Confederate Vice-President, Alex. H. Stephens, Senator 
R. M. T. Hunter, and Judge Campbell come as Peace Commis- 
sioners within Grant's lines (30 Jan.). Sherman reaches Sav- 
annah River, 50 miles above Savannah (30). 

President Lincoln arrives at Fortress Monroe to meet the 
Confederate Commissioners (2 Feb.); the meeting (3) Js without 
result. At Richmond, gold is 4,400 per cent, premium (2). 

From 2000 to 3000 of Gen. Sherman's right column effect a 
landing on James Island (10 Feb.), two miles from Charleston. 
Gen. Lee assumes supreme command of the Confederate 
forces (17 Feb.), and recommends armingthe blacks. 

Sherman captures Columbia, S. C. (17 Feb.). The Confed- 
erates evacuate Charleston, and it is occupied (18) by Union 
forces under Gen. Gilmore; 200 pieces of artillery and a large 
supply of ammunition are captured; 6000 bales of cotton are 
destroyed; much ammunition stored in the railroad depot i« 
destroyed, and many lives are lost by the explosion. 
Fort Anderson, N. C, is taken (19 Feb.). 
Schofield captures Wilmington (22). The Confederate Con- 
gress decrees that the colored people shall be armed (22). 

Inauguration of President Lincoln and Andrew Johnson as 
Vice-President (4 March). In his inaugural address President 
Lincoln makes use of the following memorable words: " With 
malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the 
the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to 
finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to 
care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow 
and his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just 
and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 
The Confederate Congress adjourns sine die (17 March). 
The Confederates attack General Grant and are severely 
defeated (25 March). The three-days' battle at live Forks begins 
(31); Sheridan turns Lee's flank and totally defeats him 
(1 April); Lee retreats (2). Richmond is taken (2-3 April). 

General Lee and his whole army surrender to Gen. Grant at 
Appomattox Court House (8 April). 
The Union flag is hoisted over Fort Sumter (12 April]. 
On the evening of 14th April, President Lincoln, Mrs. Lin- 
coln, Major Rathbone, and Miss Morris occupy a box at Ford's 
Theatre, Washington; at about half-past nine o'clock J. Wilkes 
Booth creeps stealthily into the box, slioots the President, 
rushes to the front of the box, brandishes a large knife, 
dhouts "Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged," and 
leaps on to the stage; his spur catches in the American flag, and 
he breaks his leg. The ball enters just behind the left ear and 
lodges in the brain; the President is at once removed to a 
private house opposite the theatre. 

About the same hour an attempt is made to assassinate Sec- 
retary Seward and his son, botli being wounded. 

President Lincoln dies at 22 minutes past 7 o'clock, a. m. 
£5 April). Johnson takes the oath of office as President (15). 



History of the United States. 21? 

J.Wilkes Booth, the murderer of the President, after 10 days 
wandering and misery, is tracked to a barn near Bowling Green, 
Va., and refusing to surrender, is shot (26 April). 

Jefferson Davis is captured (10) at Irwinsville, 75 miles south 
of Macon, Ga., by the 4th Michigan cavalry, under Col.Pritchard 
of Gen. Wilson's command; also his wife, mother, Postmaster- 
General Began, Col. Harrison, private secretary, Col. Johnson, 
and others. 

The Confederate Governor ,Watts, of Alabama is arrested (19). 

The ram Stonewall is surrendered (20 May) to the Spanish 
authorities in Cuba. 

President Johnson proclaims the opening of the southern 
ports (22 May). 

Kirby Smith surrenders (26 May), and the last armed Con- 
federate organization succumbs. 

President Johnson proclaims an amnesty,with certain excep- 
tions (29 May). 

The Confederate Gen. Hood and Staff surrender (31 May). 

President Johuson rescinds the order requiring passports from 
all travelers entering the U. S. (22 June). 

The trial of Payne, Atzerott, Harold, and Mrs. Surratt for 
complicity in the assassination of President Lincoln is concluded 
(29 June); they are found guilty (29), and executed (7 July). 

The President orders the 2d, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 
14th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 23d, and 24th army corps to be discon- 
tinued as organizations (1 Aug.). 

The trial of Captain Wirz, the Andersonville jailor, begins 
(21 Aug.). 

A great Fenian meeting is held in Philadelphia '16-24 Oct.), 
and the Irish Bepublic is proclaimed. 

A National Thanksgiving for peace is held (2 Nov.). 

All restrictions on southern ports are removed (1 Sep.). 

Proclamation of the President putting an end to martial law 
in Kentucky (12 Oct.). Pardon of Alexander Stephens and 
other Southern officials (12). 

The Confederate privateer Shenandoah surrenders at Liver- 
pool (6 Nov.), after having destroyed about 30 vessels; the crew 
are released on parole (8), and the vessel is given up to the 
American Consul (9). 

Captain Wirz is executed (10 Nov.). 

The Habeas Corpus Act is restored in the Northern States 
(1 Dec). 

The correspondence between the British and TJ. S. Govern- 
ments respecting the depredations of the Alabama, Shenandoah, 
etc., begun in April, closes 2 Dec; the Earl of Clarendon 
maintains that ' f no armed vessel departed during the war from 
a British port, to cruise against the commerce of the U. S." 

The 39th Congress meets, 4 Dec; the Republican Party pre- 
dominate, and move resolutions against the restoration of the 
Southern States to the Union; 85 members from the Southern 
States are excluded from Congress. 

The national expenses for the year, including payments on 
on loans, are $1,897,674,224; the debt is $2,682,593,026; the 
imports are $246,555,652; and the exports, $323,743,187. 



218 history of the United Stated, 

1866. The celebration of the centenary of American Methodism opens 
on the first Sunday in Jan., and closes on the last Sunday in 
Oct. ; daring this period, tne sum of $8,032,755 is collected for 
Church purposes. 

The U. S. Government, having notified France that a longer 
continuance of French troops in Mexico will be disagreeable to 
it, is informed, 9 Jan., that the Emperor will withdraw a por- 
tion in Nov., and the remainder early next year; our Ministei 
to France is subsequently informed that military reasons will 
prevent any withdrawals this year. Gen. Ortega, a pretender 
to the Presidency, after spending several months in the U. S., 
leaves New Orleans, 30 Oct., and with his suite is arrested at 
Brazos Santiago, 3 Nov., by order of Gen. Sheridan, 3 Nov. 
Gen. Sherman and Judge Campbell, special commissioners to 
tender the sympathy and support of the U. S. to the Republican 
Government of President Juarez, leave New York on the U. S. 
S. Susquehanna, 11 Nov., and reach Vera Cruz, 27. 

The civil authority held by the Provisional Governor of 
Florida is transferred to the Governor elected by the people 
(Gen. Walker), 17 Jan. 

Congress passes a bill to enlarge the operations of the Freed- 
men's Bureau, 6 Feb.; the President vetoes it, 19, and Congress 
passes it over the veto, 10 July. 

The President declares his hostility to Congress and denoun- 
ces the Reconstruction Committee in a speech at the Executive 
Mansion, 22 Feb. 

The Legislature of Georgia appropriates $200,000 to purchase 
corn for the indigent poor of the State, 12 March. 

Congress passes the Civil Rights Bill, 16 March; it is vetoed 
by the President, 27, and passed over his V-to, 9 April. 

A proclamation is issued by the President, 2 April, declaring 
the insurrection in the Southern States, excepting Texas, at an 
end. 

An expedition for the invasion of Canada is fitted out in New 
York by the Fenian Brotherhood, April; an invading force of 
500 men gathers at Eastport, Maine; a schooner with a cargo 
of arms from New York is seized on its arrival; Gen. Meade is 
placed in command of the frontier, and British troops are hur- 
ried to the front; a few days later the expedition is abandoned. 
Head-Center Stephens arrives in New York, 10 May, and tries 
to reconcile the O'Mahony and Roberts factions; the latter, 
under Gen. Sweeney, prepare another expedition; U. S. Cus- 
toms officers seize 1200 stands of arms at Rouse's Point, 19, and 
1000 at St. Albans, 30. A party of from 1200 to 1500 cross 
the Niagara at Buffalo, 1 June, and seize Fort Erie; a conflict 
with Canadian volunteers occurs, 2, in which many Fenians are 
taken prisoners; the remainder, attempting to return to the U. 
S., are arrested by the U. S. gunboat Michigan) over 1500 are ' 
paroled, the olhVe'rs giving bail to answer a charge of violating 
the neutrality laws. Over 1000 Fenians cross the line and march 
on St. Armand, 7, anil two days later are attacked and routed; 
Gen. Sweeney and staff are arrested at St. Albans, President 
Roberts at New York, and several other ladders at Buffalo. The 






History of the United States. 219 

1866. sentence of the Fenian prisoners, condemned to death, is com- 
muted by the British Government on an appeal from Secretary 
Seward. 

A riot occurs in Memphis, Tenn., between the whites and 
the soldiers of the Third (colored) artillery, 1, 2 May, in which 
24 negroes are killed and $120,000 worth of property is 
destroyed. 

Jefferson Davis is indicted for complicity in the assassination 
of President Lincoln, by the Grand jury of the U. S. Circuit 
Court of Va., 8 May; Judge Underwood declines to release 
him on bail, 11 June. 

A new Atlantic cable is finished early in May, and success- 
fully laid by the Great Eastern, 27 July; the lost cable of 1865 
is picked up, 1 Sep., spliced, 2, and laid without accident. 

Congress adopts the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, 13 
June. 

Orders are issued, 15 June, to garrison the newly established 
military posts along the new route of travel to Montana, Forts 
Reno, Kearny, and Smith; the Indians warn the troops that 
they will resist the occupation of the territory, and, 21 Dec, 
they kill the whole company at Fort Kearny. 

A Commercial Convention between the U. S. and Japan is 
signed, 25 June. 

Portland, Me., is visited by a fire, 4 July, which destroys 
property valued at over $10,000,000. 

By Act of Congress, 23 July, Tennessee is formally restored 
to the Union. 

Congress creates the grades of Admiral and Vice- Admiral in 
the navy and revives that of General in the army, 25 July; 
Farragut is promoted to Admiral, Porter to Vice- Admiral, 
Grant to General, and Sherman to Lieutenant-General. 

A riot breaks out in New Orleans, 30 July; Gen. Band, U. S. 
A., proclaims martial law; Gen. Sheridan reports, 1, 2 Aug., 
that the Mayor suppressed a convention by the use of the police, 
who attacked the members and a party of 200 negroes with 
fire-arms, clubs, and knives. 

A National Union Convention, held at Philadelphia, 14 Aug., 
under the presidency of Senator James K. Doolittle, adopts 
resolutions endorsing the President. 

A Convention of workingmen, held at Baltimore, 21 Aug., 
demands an eight-hour law. 

The corner-stone of a monument to the late Stephen A. 
Douglas, is laid at Chicago, 6 Sep., in the presence of the 
President and many distinguished persons, Gen. John A. Dix 
delivering the oration. 

George Peabody makes another visit to the J. S., and assists 
in the inauguration of the Peabody Institute at Baltimore, 24 
Oct.; during tiiis visit he increases his gifts to the Baltimore 
Institution to $1,000,000, and gives $150,000 for the founding 
of an Institute of Archaeology at Cambridge, $150,000 for a 
Department of Physical Science at Yale, and $2,100,000 to a 
boara of trustees for the promotion of education in the South, 
irrespective of race. 



220 IMstory of the United States. 

1865. A gold medal , purchased by the subscriptions of 40,000 French 
citizens, for Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, is delivered by a commit- 
tee tc (J. S. Minister Bigelow, at Paris, 1 Dec. 

A billgranting the elective franchise to citizens of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, irrespective of race or color, passes Congress, 
H Dec. 

The U. S. frigate Ironsides, famous for her services during 
the Civil War, ^s destroyed by lire, at League Island, Perm., 
16 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $520,809,416; the debt 
is $2,783,425,879; the imports are $445,512,158; and the exports, 
$550,684,277. 
1867. The President vetoes the District of Columbia Bill, 7 Jan. On 
the same day, Representative Ashley, of Ohio, charges him 
with the commission of acts which are high crimes and misde- 
meanors, for which he ought to be impeached; and a resolu- 
tion instructing the Judiciary Committee to investigate the sub- 
ject is adopted by a vote of 137 to 38. 

A National Convention of colored soldiers and sailors assem- 
bles in Philadelphia, 8 Jan . , and votes thanks to Congress for 
the exertions in their behalf, despite the oppressive measure* 
of the President; a National Equal Rights League Convention 
of colored men assembles in Washington, 11, and adopts an 
address to Congress, which is presented to the Reconstruction 
Committee. 

The Bill for the admission of Colorado into the Union is 
adopted, but the President vetoes it, 28 Jan.; the Bill for the 
admission of Nebraska is also adopted; it is vetoed, 29 Jan., 
and passed over the veto, 1 March. 

The Trustees of the Peabody Southern Educational Fund 
meet in New York for organization, 19 Jan.; the funds are 
transferred to them, 22 March, when they appoint Rev. Dr. 
Bariias Sears, president of Brown University, superintendent 
of the fund. 

The Evangelical Alliance of the U. S. is organized in New 
York, 30 Jan., with William E. Dodge as president. 

Mexico City is evacuated by the French, 5 Feb.; Maximilian 
suddenly leaves La Teja, and unites his small force with the 
armies of Miramon and Mejia at Queretaro, where with 8000 
adherents they are besieged by Gen. Escobedo during March 
and April; by the treachery of Gen. Lopez, the Emperor's 
bosom friend, the Liberal troops are admitted to the city, 15 
May, and take the entire Imperial force prisoners, 15 May; a 
court-martial for the trial of Maximilian and Gens. Miramon 
and Mejia assembles, 13 June, and condemns them to be shot, 
16; despite the protest of the Prussian Minister to Mexico and 
the appeals for clemency of Secretary Seward, the sentence is 
carried out, 19; the body of Maximilian is given to the Consul- 
General of Austria, and after being embalmed is conveyed to 
Austria on an imperial steamer. 

Thaddeus Stevens, of Peun., introduces the " Military Recon- 
struction Bill," providing for the division of the insurrectionary 
States into rive military districts, into Congress, 6 Feb.; it 
passes the House, 13, and the Senate, with amendments, 16; 




The Attack on Fort Donelson. 




The Battle of Missionary Ridge. 



History 0/ ihs United State*. 

1807* both Houses concur in It, 2 March, the President vetoes It the 
same day, and Congress passes it over the veto. Subsequently 
the President appoints the following commanders: First district 
(Va.), Gen. J. M. Schofield; Second (N. C. and S. C), Gen. D. 
E. Sickles; Third (Ga.,Fla., and Ala.), Gen. John Pope; Fourth 
(Miss, and Ark.), Gen. E. O. C. Ordj Fifth (La. and Texas), 
Gen. P. H. Sheridan. 

An Act designed to restrict the exercise of the power of 
appointment and removal by the President is adopted by Con- 
gress, 2 March, vetoed by the President the same day, and 
passed over the veto. 

Congress adopts a national bankruptcy bill, and establishes 
a Department of Education, 2 March; Henry Barnard, LL. 
D., President of St. John's College, Annapolis, is appointed 
and confirmed Commissioner of Education, 16. 

The 40th Congress convenes, 4 March; Schuyler Colfax is 
elected Speaker of the House for the third time, and Edward 
McPherson is re-elected Clerk; a supplement to the Reconstruc- 
tion Act 13 concurred In, 19, vetoed by the President, 23, and 
passed over the veto. 

A treaty i3 signed between the U. S. and Russia, 80 March, 
for the transfer of the tract of land known as Russian America 
Alaska) to the U. S. for the gunv of $7,200,000; ratifications 
g»re exchanged. 20 June, and the formal transfer is made to 
Gen. Rousseau, at New Archangel (Sitka), 9 Oct. 

An International Exposition 01 art, science, manufacture, and 
industry is opened at Paris with grand ceremonies, 1 April. 

An Indian war breaks out on the line of the Union Pacific 
Railroad, 7 April; military operations are carried on against 
the hostiles throughout the year without satisfactory results; in 
the meantime, 20 July, Congress passes an Act to establish 
peace with the hostile tribes, under which commissioners are 
appointed; they have interviews with a number of chiefs, sign 
a treaty with the Kiowas, Comanches, and Apaches, 20 Oct., 
and at Fort Laramie, Nov., effect an arrangement by which 
Red Cloud, the great Sioux chief, will meet the commissioners 
In the spring, all hostilities to cease in the meantime. 

Jefferson Davis is taken to Richmond, Va., 13 May, on a writ 
oi habeas corpus, and on the application of his counsel is 
admitted to bail in the sum of $100,000, to appear at Richmond, 
26 Nov. The following act as sureties on the bond: Horace 
Greeley, Augustus Schell, N. Y.; Aristides Welsh, David K. 
Jackman, Phila.; W. H. McFarland, Richard B. Haxall, Isaac 
Davenport, Abraham Warwick, G. A. Myers, W. W. Crump, 
James Lyons, J. A. Meredith, W. H. Lyons, John M. Botts, 
Thomas W. Boswell, and James Thomas, Jr., all of Virginia; 
on 26 Nov. the examination is adjourned to March next. 

An international monetary conference is opened at Paris, 17 
June, and closed, 9 July; the creation of a unitary common 
coin of gold is agreed to, and all the governments represented 
are asked to give a definite answer to the proposition before 
15 Feb., 1868. 

The President lays the corner-stone of a new Masonic Temple. 
In Boston, 24 J'jju.s 



222 Bistori/ of the United States. 

1867. President Johnson asks Secretary Stanton to resign, 5 Aug • 
the Secretary declines, and the President removes him, 12, and 
appoints Gen. Grant Secretary of war pro tern ; Stanton retires 
under protest: the President gives the Senate his reasons for 
removing the Secretary, 12 Dec. 

The President issues an amnesty proclamation which covers 
nearly all the whites of the Southern States, 7 Sep. 

A large number of American Episcopalian Bishops take part 
in a Pan-Anglican Synod, held in London, 24-27 Sep. 

The King of Denmark announces, 25 Oct., his resolution to 
cede the islands of St. Thomas and St. John, in the West In- 
dies, to the U. S. 

A convention of manufacturers at Cleveland, 0.,18, 19 Dec, 
demands the full and just payment of the national debt. 

The national expenses for the year are $357,542,675; the debt 
is $2,692,199,215 : the imports are $417,831,571; and the exports. 
$440,722,228. 

1868. The Senate refuses to approve of the President's suspension of 

Secretary Stanton, 13 Jan., and it thereby becomes void; Gen. 
Grant immediately vacates the office and Mr. Stanton takes pos 
session; on 21 Feb. the President again removes Mr. Stanton 
and appoints Adjutant-General Lorenzo Thomas, U. S. A., 
Secretary ad interim; the President notifies the Senate, and Mi - . 
Stanton the House, of the action the same day; Air. Stanton 
refuses to vacate the office, and has Gen. Thomas arrested, 22; 
the House resolves, 22, by a vote of 126 to 47, that Andrew 
Johnson be impeached of high crimes and misdemeanors; 
Messrs. Thaddeus Stephens, Penn.; Benj. F. Butler. Mass.; 
John A. Bingham, Ohio; George S. Boutwell,Mass.; James F. 
Wilson, Iowa; Thomas Williams, Penn. j and John A. Logan, 
111., are appointed managers, on the part of the House, mr. 
Butler being selected as chief prosecutor, 29 : the articles of im- 
peachment are accepted by the House, 2 March; the Senate 
organizes a3 a high court of impeachment, with Chief justice 
Chase presiding, 5; the President is summoned to the bar, 7, 
and appears by counsel, 13; ten days are granted to prepare 
an answer to the indictment; the House denies every averment 
In the answer, 23, and the trial opens, 30; the examination of 
witnesses closes, 22 April; the arguments of counsel are finished, 
6 May, and the entire Senate votes, 26, when 35 pronounce the I 
President guilty and 19 not guilty; he is therefore acquitted by j 
one vote. Mr. Stanton retires from office the same day, and 
Gen. John M. Schoneld is appointed and confirmed Secretary 
of War. 

Chicago has a $3,000,000 fire, 28 Jan. 

Barnum's Museum, N. V., is destroyed by fire, 3 March. 

A riot occurs between Irish and German emigrants on Ward's 
Island, N. Y., 5 March. 

Kev. Stephen H. Tyng, Jr., is publicly admonished by Bishop 
Potter, of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New York, after 
trial, for having officiated in a Methodist church, 14 March. 

Hon. George W. Ashburn, of Columbus, Ga., is assassinated 
hy members ot the Ku-Klux-Klan, 31 March. 






History of the United States. 22? 

An Embassy from the Emperor of China, headed by Hon. 
Anson Burlingame, the American Minister, readies San Fran- 
cisco, 31 March; after a short stay the members proceed to 
Washington, via New York, and enter upon negotiations for ft 
special treaty, containing additions to the treaty of 18 June. 
1858; the new treaty is signed, 4July, and ratified by the Seu 
ate, 16; during the stay of the Embassy in the U. S., Mr. Bur- 
lingame and the Chinese princes are the recipients of grand 
ovations. 

A terrible disaster occurs on the New York and Erie Railroad , 
at Carr's Rock, by which over 100 passengers are killed, burned 
to death, or severely injured, 15 April. 

The President unveils the memorial monument and statue of 
Abraham Lincoln, at Washington, D. C, 15 April. 

The Union League Club, of New York, gives its dedicatory 
reception in its new building, 16 April. 

A fire destroys the Ohio Female College, near Cincinnati, 
under exciting circumstances, 23 April. 

A Soldiers''and Sailors' Convention, in Chicago, pronounces 
in favor of Gen. Grant for the Presidency, 19 May. 

The National Republican Convention is held in Chicago, 
assembling 20 May; Joseph R. Hawley, of Conn., is chosen 
permanent president; the platform denounces all forms of 
repudiation of the national del it, and condemns the course of 
President Johnson; Gen. Grant is nominated for the Presidency, 
receiving 650 votes; on the sixth ballot for Vice-President, 
Schuyler Colfax is nominated, receiving 522 votes. 

Congress passes a Bill, 12 June, to admit North Carolina, 
South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida to 
representation; a Bill to admit Arkansas is vetoed by the Presi- 
dent, 20, and passed over the veto. 

The corner-stone of the Masonic Temple, Philadelphia, is 
laid, 24 June, with imposing ceremonies. 

The National Democratic Convention is held in New York, 
convening 4 July; Horatio Sej mour is chosen permanent presi- 
dent, 6; the platform demands the immediate restoration to all 
the States of their rights in the Union, amnesty for all past 
political offences, reform of abuses in administration, payment 
of the public debt, and the subordination of the military to 
the civil power; on the 22d ballot,, Horatio Seymour is nomin- 
ated for President, receiving the entire vote, 317; Gen. Frank 
P. Blair receives the nomination for Vice-President. 

A Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, held in New York, 4 
July, under the presidency of Gen. William B. Franklin, 
pledges its delegates to support the Democratic Presidential 
nominees. 

An amnesty proclamation is issued by the President, 4 July, 
pardoning all persons in the Southern States except those under 
presentment or indictment in any court of the U. S. having 
competent jurisdiction. 

Secretary Seward issues a notice of the adoption of the 14th 
Amendment to the Constitution by a majority of the States. 20 

July. 



224 History of the United States, 

t868. Baltimore and its vicinity are visited by an unprecedented 
flood, 24 July. 

Congress passes a Bill for the payment of the national debt 
and the reduction of the rate of interest thereon, 25 July. 

Wyoming Territory is organized from portions of Dakota, 
Idaho, and Utah, with an area of 93,107 square miles, 25 
July. 

Gen. Grant, as General-in-Chief of the armies, issues a pro 
clamation, 28 July, declaring that so much of the Reconstruc ■ 
tion Acts as provided for the organization of military district* 
has become inoperattve. 

A tidal-wave, following an earthquake, at Arica, Peru, 13 
Aug., capsizes the U. S. storeship Fh-edonia, destroying $1,800,- 
000 worth of naval stores, and carries the U. S. S. Wateree half 
a mile on to land. 

The American yacht Sappho is beaten in an international 
yacht race, around the Isle of Wight, Eng., 25 Aug. 

A severe earthquake visits the Pacific Coast, 21 Oc!;., doing 
much damage in San Francisco. 

The Rev. James McCosh, D. D., LL. D., of Scotland, is 
installed as President of the College of New Jersey (Princeton), 
27 Oct. 

In the Presidential election, 3 Nov., Grant and Colfax receive 
3,015,887 popular and 214 electoral votes, and Seymour and 
Blair 2,703,249 popular and 80 electoral votes. 

Fort Lafayette, New York harbor, is destroyed by fire, 1 Dec. 

The President issues a second amnesty proclamation, 25 Dec, 
declaring unconditionally and without reservation, a full par- 
don and amnesty to every person who participated in the late 
insurrection. 

The cotton crop for the year yields $250,000,000, or $90,000,- 
000 more than in 18G0. 

The national expenses for the year are $377,340,284; the debt 
is $2,636,320,964; the imports are $371,624,808; and the exports, 
$454,301,713. 
The new suspension bridge, connecting the village of Niagara 
Falls with that of Clifton, Canada, having the longest span in 
in the world, is opened, 1 Jan. 

Operations are begun for the removal of the obstructions at 
Hell Gate, on the East River, New York, 11 Jan. 

The 15th Amendment to the Constitution, giving the right 
of suffrage to all citizens of the Republic, without regard 
to race, color, or previous condition, is recommended by a joint 
resolution of Congress, 26 Feb.; it is subsequently ratified by 
the requisite number of States. 

Gen. IT. S. Grant is inaugurated eighteenth President of the 
IT. S., 4 March; the 41st Congress assembles at noon, the same 
day. The Senate, 5, confirms the following cabinet appoint- 
ments : Secretary of State, E. B. Washbume, 111.; Secretary of 
the Treasury, A. T. Stewart, N. Y.; Secretary of War, Gen. 
John A. Rawlins, 111.; Secretary of the Navy, Adolph E. Bone, 
Penn.; Secretary of the Interior, Gen. Jacob D. Cox, Ohio; 
Postmaster-General, John A. J. Creswell, Md.j and Attorney- 
General, E. Rockwood Hoar. Mass, The appointment of JMr, 



I860. 



History of the United Btctfes. 225 

1869. Stewart being illegal, on account of his business occupation, 
his name is withdrawn and that of George S. Boutwell, Mass., 
substituted; Mr. Washburne declines, and Hamilton Fish, N. 
Y., is appointed; Mr. Borie soon retires, and is succeeded by 
George M. Robeson, N. J.; and Gen. Rawlins, dying, 6 Sep., is 
succeeded by Gen. W. W. Belknap, Iowa. 

The President recommends and Congress sanctions the 
appointment of a number of members of the Society of 
Friends as Government agents among the Indians, April. 

Dr. Thomas Durant and Gov. Leland Stanford drive the last 
spikes connecting the Union and Central Pacific Railroads, at 
Promontory Point, Utah, 10 May. 

An expedition, fitted out in New York, consisting of a large 
body of volunteers and a heavy cargo of cannon, muskets, and 
ammunition, under command of Gen. Jourdan, lands on the 
northern coast of Cuba, 12 May. 

During the month of June, a lay vote Is taken in all the 
Methodist Churches in the U. S., on the long-agitated question 
of lay representation; the total vote cast is about 250,000, of 
which 170,000 are cast in favor of the change, and about 80,- 
000 against. 

President Grant appoints Gen. Babcock, 2 June, a special 
agent to obtain information concerning the Dominican Repub- 
lic; on his return from the island, he renders a report favorable 
to the project of annexation; he is again sent to the island to 
assist the U. S. Commercial Agent, Raymond H. Perry, to ne- 

Sotiate for the annexation of the whole territory of the Repub- 
c to the U. S. ; a treaty for the annexation of the territory, 
and a convention for the lease of the Bay and Peninsula of 
Samana are concluded, 29 Nov.; the Senate rejects the treaty 
after an exciting debate. 

George Peabody again lands at New York, 10 June; he now 
endows the Peabody Museum, at Salem, Mass., with $150,000; 
gives $30,000 to Newburyport for a library; $30,000 to Phillips 
Academy, Andover; $20,000 to the Massachusetts Historical 
Society; $20,000 to the Maryland Historical Society; $25,000 to 
Kenyon College; $10,000 to the Public Library at Thetford, 
Vt.; $60,000 to Washington College, Va.; and adds $1,400,000 
to his Southern Education Fund. He leaves for London, 30 
Sep., and dies there, 4 Nov.; the funeral services are held in 
Westminster Abbey, 12, and the body is placed on the British 
turret-steamship Monarch for transportation to the U. S., 11 
Dec. 

A great musical jubilee, projected by Patrick S. Gilmore, to 
commemorate the restoration of peace in the U. S. is held in 
Boston, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 June. 

Two U. S. revenue cutters capture the tugs Coole and Webb, 
with Cuban expeditionists and munitions of war on board, in 
Long Island Sound, 26 Jan.; it is believed that a much larger 
force, under Col. Ryan, is hiding^ in the vicinity of Gardiner's 
Island. 

A soldier's national monument, erected on the battle-field of 
Gettysburg, is dedicated, 1 July, Gen. Meade, the hero of the 
fight, making the address. 



22G History of the United States. 

1869. A colossal equestrian statue in bronze of Washington, in the 
Public Gardens, Boston, is unveiled, 3 July. 

Miss Ida Lewis, the American Grace Darling, is presented 
with a testimonial life-boat, at Newport, R. I., 5 July. 

The U. S. end of the Franco- American cable is landed at 
Duxbury, Mass., 23 July. 

Col. Joseph Dodd breaks ground in the City Hall Park, New 
York, for the new post-office building, 9 Aug. 

A Harvard College crew is defeated by an Oxford crew by 
a length and a half , in an intercollegiate boat-race, at London, 
27 Aug. 

The shaft of the Avondale coal-mine, Penn., takes fire, 6 
Sep., and all the men at work in the mine, over 100, perish, as 
there are neither means of escape nor rescue while the fire 
rages. 

A gold clique in New York produces a panic, 24 Sep., by 
forcing the price of gold; it sells in the morning at 150, and by 
noon at 162^ ; the most intense excitement prevails, until the 
Government announces that it will relieve the market by selling 
gold, when the price falls to 133. 

An equinoctial storm is followed, 4 Oct., by unusually dis- 
astrous floods along the entire Atlantic coast. 

Pere Hyacinthe, the noted French priest, arrives at N. Y., 18 
Oct., and is introduced to the American public by Henry Ward 
Beecher, 24. 

The steamer Cornwall is burned on the Mississippi River, 
below Cairo, 28 Oct., and 200 lives are lost. 

A bronze monument to Bishop Brownell, founder of Trinity 
College, Hartford, Conn., the gift of George W. Burnhain, is 
unveiled on the college green, 14 Nov. 

The Spanish Government has 30 gunboats built inNewYork; 
they are seized by U.S. Marshals on a charge of being intended 
for war against a friendly nation, Peru; Judge Blatehford 
releases them, 14 Dec, and 18 leave under convoy of a Spanish 
frigate, 19. 

An GEcumenical Council of the Roman Catholic Church, to 
which a large number of American prelates have been sum- 
moned, is opened in Rome, Italy, 2 Dec. 

During the year, the President appoints J. Lothrop Motley, 
U. S. Minister to Great Britain, vice Re verdy Johnson, recalled: 
John Jay, Minister to Austria; Andrew G. Curtin, Minister to 
Russia; Gen. Daniel E. Sickles, Minister to Spain; and Moses 
H. Grinned, Collector of the Port of New York. 

The national expenses for the year are $322,865,277; the debt 
is $2,588,452,213; the imports are $437,314,255; and the exports, 
$113,961,115. 

1870. H. R. H. Prince Arthur, son of Queen Victoria, arrives in New 

York and is welcomed by Mr. Thornton, the British Minister, 
21 Jan.; the Prince is presented to President Grant, at Wash- 
ington, 24; a grand ball is given in his honor, 27; and the citi- 
zens of New York give him a reception, 1 Feb. 

The U. S. S. steamer Oneida is struck by a steamer of the 
Peninsula and Oriental S. S. Line, about 20 miles from Yoke- 






History of the United States. 227 

1870. hama, Japan, 23 Jan., and sinks with over 100 of her officers and 
crew. 

The remains of the late George Peabody arrive at Portland, 
Me., on the British man-of-war Monarch, which is convoyed 
into the harbor by the U. S. S. Miantonomah, Terror, and Ply- 
mouth, 26 Jan.; the remains are buried at Peabody, formerly 
South Danvers, Mass., 1 Feb. 

Hiram R. Revels, of Miss. , the first colored man ever elected to 
the U. S. Senate, is sworn in, 25 Feb. 

The President issues a proclamation announcing the ratifica- 
tion of the 15th Amendment by the States, 30 March. 

The floor of the court-room in the Capitol building, at Rich- 
mond, Va., while crowded with people awaiting an important 
legal discussion, gives way without warning, and precipitates 
the people and debris into the Hall of Delegates, a distance of 
25 feet, 27 April; over 60 persons are killed and 125 injured. 

Fenians begin congregating in force at different points along 
the Canadian border in New York and Vermont, 22 May. The 
present campaign contemplates a movement into Wyoming 
Territory, the capture of the cannon and arms of the British 
expedition against Louis Riel, and a raid on the eastern frontier 
between Kingston and Montreal. President Grant issues a warn- 
ing proclamation, 24 : over 1000 men gather at Burlington, 
and nearly 3000 at St. Albans, Vt.; Gen. O'Neill orders a 
Fenian advance early in the morning, 25, and shortly after- 
wards an engagement occurs at Cook's Corners, St. Armand; 
after an hour's skirmishing, O'Neill orders a rest, and retires to 
a neighboring building, where he is arrested by Gen. George 
Foster, U. S. Marshal; O'Neill threatens resistance, but Foster 
forces him into a carriage at the point of a pistol, and drives 
him through his men to St. Albans, where he is lodged in jail. 
Fighting is resumed, but the Fenians are soon forced to fall 
back ; an engagement occurs at Trout Kiver, 27, in which the 
invaders are routed. The subsequent arrest of the leaders of 
both movements puts an end to the scheme. 

Edward Payson Weston walks 100 miles within 22 hours in 
New York, 25 May. 

The corner-stone of a monument to Baron Steuben, of Revo- 
lutionary fame, is laid 1 June, Horatio Seymour delivering 
the oration. 

The corner-stone of a new Masonic Temple in New York is 
laid, 8 June, in the presence of many thousand members of the 
fraternity. 

Charles Dickens dies at Gad's Hill, Eng., 9 June. 

Attorney-General Hoar and Secretary of the Interior Cox 

resign, 20 June, and Amos T. Akerman , of Ga. , and Columbus 
Delano, of Ohio, are appointed their successors respectively. 

By Act of Congress, 8 July, the statutes relating to patents 
and copyrights are revised, consolidated, and amended. 

In the (Ecumenical Council, at Rome, Archbishop Spaulding, 
of Baltimore, advocates, and Archbishop Kemjtek, of St. Louis, 
opposes, the Dogma of the Infallibility of the Pope, which is 
adopted, 18 July. 



228 History of the United States. 

1870. M. Prevost-Paradol, newly appointed French Minister to the 
U. S., commits suicide a few days after his presentation to the 
President, 26 July. 

An ocean race between the English yacht Cambria and the 
American yacht Dauntless, from Queenstown harbor to New 
York, results in a victory for the former, which arrives, 27 
July, the time being 23 days, 5 hours. 

Benjamin Nathan, a highly-respected and wealthy Hebrew 
citizen of New York, is found murdered in his residence, 29 
July; the mystery of the crime remains unsolved. 

A mast exciting yacht race occurs, 8 Aug., when the Cambria, 
of the Royal Thames Yacht Clnb, Eng., competes with the 
vessels of the New York Yacht Club, in a challenge contest for 
the America's Cup, held in the IJ. S. since 1851; the course is 
around the southwest Spit, New York Bay, and the Magic comes 
in the winner of the race. 

The Kansas Pacific Railroad to Denver, Col., is completed, 15 
August. 

Admiral David G. Farragut, U. S. N., dies at Portsmouth, N. 
H., 15 Aug., aged 6i); the funeral is held in New York, 30 Sep. 
President Grant and other distinguished officers of the army 
and navy participating. 

Upon the breaking out of the Franco-Prussian war, President 
Grant issues a neutrality proclamation, 22 Aug.; recruiting in 
New York for the French armies, and the presence there of 
several French war-vessels, lead him to issile another, 8 Oct., 
particularly defining the duties of citizens of a neutral nation. 

Gen. Robert E. Dee, Commander-in-chief of the Confederate 
armies, dies at Lexington, Va., 12 Oct., aged 62; the funeral is 
held at Washington and Lee College, of which he had been 
President since 1866, 15. 

An earthquake, manifesting itself throughout the New Eng- 
land, Middle, and Western States, and the Canadas, occurs, 
20 Oct. ; in New York City, the earth vibrates rapidly, causing 
great excitement, particularly in the public schools, by the 
trembling of the buildings. 

A convention is held in Cincinnati, 0., 25 Oct., and the ques- 
tion of the removal of the National Capitol from Washington 
to some western city is warmly discussed. 

J. H. Rainey, of S. C, the first colored man ever elected to 
the U. S. House of Representatives, is sworn in, 12 Dec. 

In the U. S. Senate, Mr. Morton introduces a resolution tor 
the appointment of commissioners to proceed to San Domingo 
and inquire into all the facts bearing on the question of annexa- 
tion, 12 Dec; in the House — the same day — Mr. Banks offers a 
joint resolution for the appointment of commissioners to nego- 
tiate a treaty with San Domingo for the acquisition of all its 
territory by the U. S.; Mr. Morton's resolution is laid on the 
table, but is taken up, 20, and, despite Mr. Sumner's bitter 
opposition, is passed by a vote of 32 to 9, 30 being absent; Presi- 
dent Grant appoints Hon. Benj. F. Wade, Ohio; President A, 
D. White, of Cornell University, and Hon. S.G.Howe, Mass., 
commissioners to proceed immediately to San Domingo, and 



History of the United States. 

1870. the U. S. S. Tennessee is ordered into commission to convej r the 
party thither. 

George Holland, the comedian, dies in New Tork, 20 Dec. 
When his friends call upon Rev. Dr. Sabine to officiate at the 
funeral and open his church for the purpose, he refuses, and 
directs them to "the little church round the corner" (the 
Church of the Transfiguration, on 59th St., east of 5th Ave.); 
the actor is buried therefrom, the Rev. Dr. Houghton readily 
consenting and officiating. 

During the year, Congress charters the Northern Pacific 
Railroad, and restores Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia 
to representation. 

The national expenses for the year are $309,653,560; theoebt 
is 12,480,304,797; the imports are $460,377,587; and the exports, 
$499,092,143. 

1871. James W. Smith, the first colored boy who had passed the exami- 

nation for admission to the U. S. Military Academy, is placed on 
trial by court-martial , 7 Jan.; the trial closes, 12, when the 
accused delivers his own defence to the charge. 

The enumeration of inhabitants of the U. S. which began 1 
June, 1870, is completed, 9 Jan.; it shows returns covering 
38,555,983 persons. 

The Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives 
receive a delegation of prominent ladies, who claim the right to 
vote on the basis of the 14th and 15th Amendments, 11 Jan. 

The U.S. frigate Tennessee sails from New York with the San 
Domingo Commissioners and suite, 17 Jan., and arrives at 
Samana Bay, 24; the Commissioners separate and visit every 
part of the Republic, each being accompanied by members of 
the scientific corps detailed to aid their researches; returning, 
they land at Charleston, S. C, 26 March; an elaborate report is 
prepared and submitted to Congress, with a special message 
from the President, 5 April. 

By Act of Congress, the income-tax law is repealed, 26 Jan. 

Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister to the U.S., under 
instructions from his Government, proposes to Secretary Fish 
a joint commission for the settlement of the troubles between 
the U. S. and Great Britain growing out of the fisheries ques- 
tion, 26 Jan.; Mr. Fish replies, 30, expressing the desire of the 
President that the Alabama claims shall also be discussed, to 
which the Minister assents. The President, 9 Feb., nominates 
Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State; Robert C. Schenck, U. S. 
Minister to Great Britain; E. R. Hoar, Attorney-General; Justice 
Samuel Nelson, U. S. Supreme Court; and George H.Williams, 
U. S. Senator, as Commissioners on the part of the U. S.; they 
are confirmed by the Senate, 10. Queen Victoria appoints the 
Earl de Grey and Ripon, Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Edward 
Thornton, Sir John A.Macdonald, and Prof. Montague Bernard, 
Commissioners on the part of Great Britain. The High Joint 
Commission begins its sessions in Washington, 27, Lord Ten- 
terden and J. Bancroft Davis, Assistant Secretary of State, 
acting as joint protocolists, A treaty is signed by the Commis- 
sioners, 8 May, providing for the settlement by the arbitration 
of a mixed commission of all the questions at issue; this treaty 



230 History of the United States. 

1871. is promptly ratified by both Governments, and they join In 
asking the Emperor of Brazil, the King of Italy, and the Presi- 
dent of the Swiss Confederation to appoint each an arbitrator. 
The Mixed Commission, consisting of Charles Francis Adams, 
U.S.; Sir Alexander Cockburn, Great Britain; ex-President 
Staempfli, Switzerland; Count Sclopis, Italy; and Baron Itajuba, 
Brazil, meets in Geneva, and organizes early in Dec. The 
British- American Claims Commission, for other claims, is com- 
posed of Russell Gurney, Great Britain; Judge J. R. Fraser, 
U. S.; and Count Corti, of Italy; the tribunal adjourns to 15 
June next. 

The Franco - Prussian war producing great destitution in 
France, A. T. Stewart sends a $50,000 cargo of flour from New 
York to Havre direct, 25 Feb.; the U. S. Government offers the 
Supply and the frigate Worcester to convey American contribu- 
tions; the former is fitted out at New York and the latter at 
Boston, and both sail early in March. 

Congress passes a Bill for the celebration of the Centennial 
of American Independence, 3 March. 

A provision for a Civil Service Commission, contained in the 
Appropriations Bill, is adopted by Congress, 3 March, in accord- 
ance with which the President appoints George William Curtis, 
Alex. G. Caltell, Joseph Medill, D. A. Walker, E. B. Ellicott, 
Joseph H. Blackfan, and David C. Cox members of the first 
Civil Service Commission. 

Great excitement, politically, is produced. 9 March, by the 
removal of Charles Sumner from the Chairmanship of the 
Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. 

German residents in the U. S. celebrate the victory of Prussia 
over France, by grand demonstrations, 10 April. 

President Grant approves the " Ku-Klux " Bill, 20 April. 

The new Museum of Natural History, in Central Park, New 
York, is opened, 27 April. 

Edward II. Ruloff, an extraordinary philologist, is hanged 
for murder, at Binghampton, N. Y., 18 May. 

Commander Sellridge, U. S. N., returns from a surveying 
expedition across the Isthmus of Darien, and reports a feasible 
route for a ship canal, July. 

New York City is convulsed with an Orange riot, 12 July, in 
which the police and militia have several conflicts, attended by 
fatal consequences, with the Irish populace. 

The boiler of the State n Island ferryboat Westjkld explodes, 
30 July, at Whitehall, New York, causing a large loss of life. 

A mass-meeting of tin' citizens of New York is held, 4 Sept., 
to consider the mismanagement of the city and county finances 
and the exposures of the Tweed King; a committee of seventy 
eminent citizens is chosen to investigate the frauds, and Charles 
O'Conor is selected as legal adviser; indictments are found 
against Mayor Hall, William M. Tweed, Commissioner of Public 
Works, Peter B. Sweeney, Commissioner of Parks, Comptrollei 
Connelly, and otliers; they are arrested, 26 Oct. and admitted 
to bail; Connelly flees the country, and Tweed is again arrestedj 
15 Dee,, on a charge of felony. 



History of the United States. 23 1 

1871. Chicago has a $1 ,,000,000 fire, 7 Oct. On The following evening 
another conflagration breaks out, causing a loss of 250 lives 
and the destruction of 17,500 buildings; more than 2000 acres of 
space are burned over, including the business part of the 
city; upwards of 98,000 are rendered homeless; the total loss 
is computed at nearly $200,000,000; the whole country and 
many European cities respond quickly and nobly to the cries for 
relief. 

The Grand Duke Alexis, of Russia, arrives at New York 
with a fleet of war vessels, 19 Nov.; during his stay in the U. 
S., he is the recipient of extraordinary attentions in official and 
social circles. 

The national expenses for the year are $292,177,188; the debt 
is $2,353,211,332; the imports are $541,493,708; and the exports, 
$562 518,051. 

1872. Col. James Fisk, Jr., is shot in the Grand Central Hotel build- 

ing, New York, by Edward S. Stokes, 6 Jan., and dies two days 
later, aged 37. 

Gov. Warmouth, of La., in his message to the Legislature, 
8 Jan., charges enormous frauds upon the House of Represen- 
tatives and its Speaker, Col. Carter; the Carter party withdraw 
and begin a movement for the removal of Gov. Warmouth and 
the seizure of the State House; the Governor places all the 
military and police-force of the State under the command of 
Gen. Longstreet; Carter calls upon the people to arm and rally 
at the Clay statue, 11, but the insurrection is checked by a notice 
from Gen. Emory, U. S. A., that he will interfere in case of a 
riot. 

The Rev. Abraham de Sola, D.D., LL.D., Professor of 
Oriental history in McGill University, Montreal, the first foreign 
clergyman ever so invited, opens the National House of Repre- 
sentatives with prayer, 9 Jan. 

Munitions of war from New York are landed In Cuba by the 
Cuban steamer Hornet, 10 Jan. 

The first Liberal Republican mass-meeting is held at Jefferson 
City, Mo., 24 Jan. 

The M. Rev. Martin J. Spaulding, Roman Catholic Arch- 
bishop of Baltimore and Primate of the Church in America, 
dies, 7 Feb., aged 62- he is succeeded by the Rt. Rev. James R. 
Bayley, of Newark, N. J. 

A Labor Reform Convention is held in Columbus, Ohio, 21 
Feb.; Judge David Davis, of the U. S. Supreme Court, is nom- 
inated for President, and Judge Joel Parker, of N. J., for Vice- 
President; both of these gentlemen subsequently decline, and 
Charles O'Conor, of N. Y., is nominated for President, the 
second place being left vacant. 

Congress passes a bid creating the Yellowstone Valley, in 
Montana ami Wyoming Territories, a national park, 27 Feb. 

The reduction of the public debt from 1 March, 1869, to 1 
March, 1872, amounts to SfoGo. 097,000. 

President Grant appoints A. A. Humphreys, U. S. A., Prof. 
Benj. Pierce, U. S. Coast Survey, and Capt. Daniel Ammen, U. 
S. N., a commission to examine all plans and proposals for ao 
tatfir-oceanio canal across the Isthmus of Daiien, March. 



232 History of the United States. 

US 1 ??. The IT. S. Centennial Commissioners and alternates meet in 
Philadelphia, 4 March, and organize by electing Joseph R. 
Hawley, president; Orestes Cleveland. A. T. Goshorn, William 
M. Byrd, J. D. Creigh, and Robert Lowrey, vice-presidents; 
Lewis M. Smith, temporary secretary; an executive committee 
and a solicitor. Subsequently John L. Campbell is chosen per- 
manent secretary, and A. T. Goshorn, director-general. 

An imperial Japanese Embassy, numbering 114 persons, is 
officially presented to the President at the Executive Mansion, 
4 March. 

The directory of the Erie Railroad Company is reorganized. 
11 March, after a tedious legal fight, and Gen. John A. Dix is 
elected president in place of Jay Gould; a sudden rise in the 
stock, 25, gives Wall Street a day of speculative frenzy. 

Henry M. Stanley, of the New York Herald, having found 
Dr. Livingstone, the English African traveler, alive and well at 
Ujiji, in the centre of the continent, takes leave of him, 14 
March, and returns to London and New York with important 
documents. 

Prof.S. F.B.Morse, "the father of the telegraph," dies in New 
York, 2 April, a<jed 80; memorial services are held in his honoi 
in the National House of Representatives, 16. 

The remains of Gen. Robert Anderson, the hero of Fort Sum- 
ter, having been returned to the I J. S., are given an unostenta- 
tious funeral in New York, 3 April. 

Father Thomas Burke, an eloquent Dominican friar, comes 
to the U. S. early in April. 

The National Liberal Republican Convention assembles in 
Cincinnati, O., 1 May; Hon. Carl Schurz is chosen permanent 
president; the platform calls for civil service reform, a judicious 
system of taxation, and the speedy resumption of specie 
payments; on the sixth ballot, Horace Greeley, of the Neio 
York Tribune, is nominated for President; Gov. B. Gratz Brown, 
of Mo., is elected candidate foi Vice-President; the nomination 
of Mr. Greeley being deemed injudicious by many Republicans 
th<2 disaffected ones hold a meeting in New York, 30, and nom- 
inate William P. Groesbeck, of Ohio, for President, and Fred- 
erick L. 01 instead, of N. Y., for Vice-President. 

Niblo's Theatre, in New York, is destroyed by fire, 6 May. 

Congress completes the political reorganization of the country 
by passing an Amnesty Bill, 22 May; on the following day, 
for the first time since the winter of 1861, every seat in Con- 
gress is legally occupied. 

James Gordon Bennett, founder and proprietor of the New 
York Herald, dies, 1 June, aged 77. 

The regular National Republican Convention assembles in 
Philadelphia, 5 June; Hon. Thomas Settle, of N. C, is chosen 
permanent president; the platform insists on the most complete 
equality in the enjoyment of civil, political, and public rights, 
and that Congress and the President have fulfilled an impera- 
tive duty in their measures to suppress the treasonable organi- 
zations in die lately rebellious States; President Grant is renom- 
inated by acclamation; and on the first ballot, Hon. Henry 
Wilson, of Mass., is elected candidate for Vice-President, 



History of the United States. 233 

1873. The Geneva Tribunal reassembles, 15 June; it holds its final 
session, 14 Sep., when its decision is rendered, awarding the U. 
S. $15,500,000 in liquidation of the Alabama claims and those 
arising from the depredations of other Anglo-Confederate ves- 
sels. 

The World's Peace Jubilee is opened in Boston, 17 June. 

The abolition of the import duties on tea and coffee takes 
effect, 1 July. 

The National Democratic Convention is held in Baltimore, 6 
July; Hon. James R. Doolittle, of Wis., is chosen permanent 
president; the Convention adopts the Liberal Republican plat- 
form, and nominates Messrs. Greeley and Brown. The Extreme 
Democrats hold a convention in Louisville, Ky., 3 Sep., and 
nominate Charles O'Conor, of N. Y., for President, and John 
Quincy Adams, of Mass., for Vice-President; both candidates 
subsequently refuse to serve. 

The Cuban war-vessel Pioneer is seized by the U. S. revenue 
cutter Moccasin, at Newport, R. I., 20 July. 

The 25th anniversary of the pastorate of Henry Ward Bee- 
cher over Plymouth Church, is celebrated, 7 Oct. 

Hon. William H. Seward dies at Auburn, N. T., 10 Oct., 
aged 70. 

James Anthony Froude, the English historian, is received by 
the Lotos Club of New York, 12 Oct. During the fall, he 
engages in a series of historical debates with Father Thomas 
Burke. 

The Presidential election takes place, 5 Nov.; Grant and 
Wilson receive 3,592,984 popular and 300 electoral votes, and 
Greeley and Brown, 2,833,847 popular, equal to 74 electoral 
votes. 

Gen. George G. Meade, the hero of Gettysburg, dies, 6 Nov., 
aged 56. 

Boston is visited by a conflagration, 9 Nov., which burns over 
60 acres of ground, and destroys property of an estimated value 
of $75,000,000. 

Horace Greeley dies in a private insane retreat, 29 Nov., 
aged 61. 

Edwin Forrest, the great tragedian, dies in Philadelphia, 12 
Dec, aged 66. 

During the year, the Government negotiates $200,000,000 in 
5 per cents., and redeems $200,000,000 in 6 per cent. 5-20s. 

The national expenses for the year are $277,517,962; the 
debt is $2,253,251,328; the imports are $640,338,766; and the 
exports, $549,219,718. 
1873. Gen. John A. Dix is inaugurated Governor of New York, 1 
January. 

Edward S. Stokes is sentenced to death for the murder of 
Col. James Fisk, Jr., 4 Jan.; he is subsequently granted a new 
trial and acquitted. 

Hon. Ward Hunt is appointed Judge of the IL S. Supreme 
Court, on the retirement of Judge Nelson, Jan. 

Gen. Winfleld Scott Hancock, U. S. A. is appointed Com- 
mander of the Military Division of the Atlantic, with head- 



234 History of the United States. 

1873. quarters at New York; the Army ami Navy Club give him a 
reception, 8 Jan. 

William M. Tweed is placed on trial on an indictment for 
violation of duty in auditing fraudulent claims against the city 
of New York, 8 Jan.; the jury fails to agree, 30; a second trial 
opens, 13 Nov., and he is found guilty on 204 counts, 19; Judge 
Davis sentences him to 12 years' imprisonment on Blackwell's 
Island and to pay a fine of $12,705. 

Congress passes a bill to abolish the franking privilege, 22 
Jan., to take effect 1 July. 

Matthew F. Maury, the distinguished nautical observer and 
author, dies at Lexington, Va., 1 Feb., aged 07. 

Hon. James L. Orr, of S3. C, is appointed U. S. Minister to 
Russia, 1 Feb.; lie dies at his post, 5 April; tiie remains are 
brought to this country in the summer. 

Gen. James VV. Geary, ex-Governor of Penn., dies at Harris- 
burg, 8 Feb. 

An amendment to the appropriation bill, offered b} r Mr. B. 
F. Butler, providing that on and after 4 March, the President 
Shall receive a salary of $50,000 per annum; the Vice-Presi- 
dent, $10,000; the Chief Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, 
$10,500; the Associate Justices, each, $10,000; the Cabinet ofii- 
cerSj each $10,000; the Speaker of the House, $10,000; and 
the Senators, Representatives, and Delegates, including those 
of the 42d Congress, each, $7,500, besides the actual expense j 
of travel from residence to Washington at the beginning and close 
of each session, is adopted in the House, 24 Feb. and the Sen- 
ate, 1 March. 

A political riot breaks out in New Orleans, 1 March, and the 
police and military lire upon the rioters in Jackson Square. 

Gen. Grant is again inaugurated President, 4 March: he 
selects his second cabinet as follows : Secretary of State, Ham- 
ilton Fish; Secretary of the Treasury, William A. Richardson; 
Secretary of War, William W. Belknap; Secretary of the 
Navy, George M. Robeson; Secretary of the Interior, Colum- 
bus Delano; Postmaster-General, John A. J. Creswed; and 
Attorney General, George H. Williams. 

The White Star steamer Atlantic strikes upon Marr's Rock, 
off Nova Scotia, at an early hour, 1 April, and becomes a total 
wreck; of the large number of passengers, officers, and crew on 
board at the time, 429 are saved and 547 lost. 

During a peace talk in the lava beds of Oregon between 
a number of Modoc Chiefs and the U. S. Commissioners, 11 
April, the Indians, under Captain Jack, suddenly attack the 
Commissioners, kill Gen. E. R. S. Canby, U. S. A., and the Rev. 
Dr. Thomas (Commissioner), and seriously wound Commis- 
sioner Meacham; a military expedition is sent against the 
Indians and the leaders are captured; Captain Jack, Black Jim, 
Boston Charley, and Sehonchin are hanged at Fort Klamath, 
Or., 3 Oct. 

John Anderson, of New Torfc, pr«gents the island of Peni- 
kese, in Buzzard's Bay, with $50,000 in bonds, to Prof. Agas- 
siz, for the establishment of a sofeooi •£ natural history, 21 
April. 



History of the United Stales* 

lion. James Brooks, of N. Y., a distinguished politician, 
traveler, and author, dies, 30 April, aged 60. 

Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase dies suddenly in New York, 
7 May, aged 65; Congress holds funeral ceremonies over 
the remains in the Senate Chamber, 11. 

Hon. Oakes Ames, M. C. from Mass., and "father" of the 
Credit Mobilier sensation, dies, 8 May, aged 69; he made his 
disclosure of the names of parties to whom he had given stock 
and dividends, before the Congressional Investigating Com- 
mittee in Feb. last. 

Frank H. Walworth shoots his father, Mansfield Tracy Wal- 
worth, son of the famous Chancellor, in New York, 3 June, to 
protect his mother from assault; on the trial, he is acquitted of 
murder on the ground of emotional insanity. 

During the first week in June, Chicago celebrates the rebuild- 
ing of the burnt part of the city in nineteen months. 

The National Rifle Association opens the Creedmore Range, 
on Long Island, 21 Juno. 

The Navy Department despatches the Juanita and Tigress to 
the Arctic Regions to rescue the survivors of the Polaris Expe- 
dition, 24 June. 

Hiram Powers, the American sculpter, of "Greek Slave : ' 
fame, dies in Florence, Italy, 27 June, aged 58. 

Baltimore is visited by a fire which burns over ten acres of 
ground, causing a loss of $500,000, 25 July. 

Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D., for 43 years pastor of the Old 
Brick (Pres.) Church, in New York, dies, Aug., aged 89. 

Shreveport, La., is scourged by yellow fever during the month 
of Sep. 

Jay Cooke & Co., bankers of New York, fail, 18 Sep., with 
heavy liabilities: a financial panic is precipitated; the New 
York Clearing House is forced to suspend; the Secretary of the 
Treasury comes to the aid of the banks by purchasing govern- 
ment bonds; the presidents of all the banks meet in council to 
devise ways of relief. President Grant comes to the city, but 
declines to accede to the bankers' request to aid the banks with 
the Treasury balance of $44,000,000; runs are made on banks 
and private bankers, and many strong houses fall during the 
ensuing ten days. 

The Evangelical Alliance of the World, on the invitation of 
the American branch, holds a session in New York, 1-12 Oct.; 
the distinguished foreign delegates are received by the Presi- 
dent, 15. 

The Cuban war-steamer Virginius, under command of Capt. 
James Fry, which left New York for Cuba, 8 Oct., is captured 
by the Spanish steamer Tornado, 31; the officers and 175 volun- 
teers are taken to Santiago de Cuba, where Gen. W. A. C. 
Ryan, Bernabe Varona, Pedro Cespedea, and Jesus del Sel are 
tried, convicted, and shot for piracy, 4 Nov.; Capt. Fry and 36 
of the crew are shot, 7; 12 more suffer the same fate, 8; and 
57, 10; the news of the capture produces great rejoicing in 
Havana and intense indignation in the U. S. The Government 
puts a strong naval force into commission, whereupon Spain 
agrees to surrender the Virginius and the remainder of her 



236 History of the United States. 

1873, crew; this is done, 16 Dec, and while the vessel is being con. 
voyed to New York, she suddenly sinks off North Carolina; the 
survivors are given a great recej)tion by their compatriots upon 
their return. 

The French steamship Ville du Havre, with a large passenger 
list from New York, collides with the British ship Loch Earn, 
23 Nov., and sinking, carries down 226 persons. 

Prof. Louis J. li. Agassiz, the eminent scientist, dies at Cam- 
bridge, Mass., 14 Dec., aged 67. 

Mayor Hall, of New York, is acquitted of the charges against 
him, 24 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $290,345,245; the debt 
is $2,234,482,993; the imports are $663,617,147; and the exports, 
$649,132,563. 

1874. An amendment to the appropriation bill, to reduce the President's 

salary to $25,000 per annum on and after 4 March, 1877, is lost 
in the Senate, 12 Jan. 

The Communists of New York make a red-flag demonstra- 
tion in Tompkins Square, and are dispersed by the police, 13 
January. 

Chang and Eng, the Siamese twins, die at their residence 
near Salisbury, N. C., within two hours of each other, 17 Jan., 
aged 63. 

Hon. Morrison R. Waite is appointed and confirmed Chief 
Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, 21 Jan. 

"Mother" Stewart and a number of temperance women 
Inaugurate a remarkable whiskey crusade tlnoughout Oliio, 1 
February. 

Prince David Kalakaua is chosen King of the Hawaiian 
Islands, 14 Feb.; he makes an American tour, reaching Wash- 
ington, 12 Dec, and being presented to the President, 15. 

James Gordon Bennett gives $130,000 for the relief of the 
poor of New York, and a number of Bennett Soup Kitchens 
are opened, 18 Feb. 

Ex-President Millard Fillmore dies at Buffalo, N.Y., 8 March, 
aged 74. 

Hon. Charles Sumner dies at his residence in Washington, 
11 March, aged 63, after enjoining Senator Hoar not to let the 
Civil Bights Bill fail; funeral ceremonies are held in the 
National Capitol and at tin; State House, Boston. 

A great demonstration of the U. S. naval vessels at Key West, 
Fla., terminates in a land drill, 23 March. 

The Senate Committee on Finance report a bill to provide for 
the redemption and issue of If. JS. notes, which fixes the maxi- 
mum limit at $382,000,00;,, 23 March; Senators Conkling (N. 
Y.), Stewart (Nev.), Anthony (R. I.), and Thurman (O.), enter 
vigorous protests against any inflation of the currency; the bill, 
considerably amended, passes by a vote of 29 to 24 — 19 being 
absent; the House passes it, 14 April, by a vote of 140 to 102— 
48 being absent; the President vetoes the bill, 22 April, and the 
Senate fails to pass it over the veto. 

The steamship Europe, of the Frenen trans-atlantie line, Is 
found in a sinking condition in mid ocean, by the steamship 
Qrvece, 2 April, and over 400 passengers are rescued. 



History of the United States. 23? 

1874. Jesse Pome>-oy, " the boy with the pink eye," of fiostoii, 

commits his first known murder, 22 April, his victim being little 
Horace W. Millen. 

A political warfare breaks out in Arkansas between the adher- 
ents of Joseph Brooks, who claims to have received the largest 
number of votes in the gubernatorial election, and Joseph 
Baxter, who has taken possession of the office; each leader 
musters an aimed force to maintain his claim, and several fatal 
skirmishes occur, April. 

Henri Kochefort, the French Communist, who escaped from 
the penal settlement of New Caledonia, reaches the U. S. in 
May; he delivers his first public lecture, in New York, 5 June. 
The dam of the large reservoir on Mill River, Mass., suddenly 
breaks, 16 May, and a tremendous body of water dashes 
In a destructive flood down the valley; the manufacturing vil- 
lages of Williamsburgh, Skinnerville, Haydenville, and Leeds 
are destroyed, and nearly 200 lives lost. 

President Grant lays the corner-stone of the new building of 
the American Museum of Natural History in Central Park, N. 
Y., 2 June. 

The corner-stone of the new Post-office and Custom House 
building in Chicago is laid, 24 June. 

Little Charley Ross is mysteriously abducted from his father's 
residence in Germantown, Penn., 1 July; his father spends a 
large fortune searching for the missing boy, but never learns of 
his fate. 

A fire breaks out in Chicago, 14 July, and before it is checked 
it destroys over 1000 buildings, including 4 hotels, 6 churches, 
and 7 public buildings, among which are the Post-office, the 
Fine Art Institute, Aiken's Theatre, a school-house, freight 
depot, and a savings bank; the loss is estimated at $4,000,000. 
The shore end of a new Atlantic cable is landed at Rye 
Beach, N. H., 15 July. 

A terrible rain-storm sweeps over the hills around Pittsburg 
and Allegheny City, Penn., 26 July, destroying several hun- 
dred houses, and causing a loss of 150 lives; the damages are 
estimated at $900,000. 

Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, appoints a committee to inves- 
tigate the charges preferred by Theodore Tilton against Henry 
Ward Beecher, of having seduced Mrs. Tilton. Mr. Tilton 
reads a sworn statement, detailing his charges and specifying 
the actions of Mis. Tilton and Mr. Beecher during the past two 
years, before the committee, 28 July; on the following day, 
Mr. Beecher declares Mrs. Tilton's innocence, and Mrs. Tilton 
makes a statement in her own defence. William J. Gaynor 
causes the arrest of Mr. Tilton on a charge of having libeled 
Mr. Beecher, but the suit is not pressed. Mr. Beecher makes an 
elaborate statement to his congregation, 14 Aug., denying all 
charges of immorality; Mr. and Mrs. Tilton are subjected to a 
severe cross-examination by the committee; and, at the joint 
request of Mr. Tilton and Mr. Beecher, Mr. Francis D. Moulton, 
a mutual friend and the custodian of many letters bearing upon 
the trouble, also appears before it. The committee announces 
the results of its investigations at the weekly prayer-meeting of 



History of the United States. 

1874 the church, 28 Aug. Mr. Beecher is acquitted of the charge, 
and Mr. Mouiton is so strongly denounced that the police have 
to protect him from assaults by Mr. Beecher's friends on leav- 
ing the building. In the meantime, Mr. Tilton institutes a civil 
suit against Mr. Beecher for f 100,000 damages, his summons 
being issued 19 Aug. The cause is delayed from week to week 
until, on 17 Oct., Judge Neilson grants an order for the plaintiff 
to furnish a bill of particulars; this leads to further complica- 
tions and appeals, in which William M. Evarts appears for M, . 
Beecher, and Gen. Roger A. Pryor for Mr. Tilton. The Court 
of Appeals reverses the decision of the General Term, so fa< as 
to assert the power of the court to grant the bill of particulars, 
7 Dec, when a new motion for the bill is made and granted 

An immense number of the citizens of New Orleans asseo '.'.. 
around the Clay statue, 14 Sep.; a, committee is appointed *o 
request Gov. Kellogg to abdicate; upon his refusal, the White 
League troops are posted about the city, and the metropolian 
police and the State troops are marched into line of battle; ?,ite 
White Leaguers attack the police, driving them througu .he 
Custom House, in which Gov. Kellogg, Collector Casey, °n^ 
other officers have taken refuge; on the following morning, me 
White League pickets find the Capitol abandoned and take pos- 
session. On orders from Washington, Gen. Emory, U. ib. A,, 
takes possession of all the captured property, and notifies Gjv. 
Kellogg, 18, that he is prepared to restore him to his office. 

A fire breaks out at Granite Mill No. 1, at Fall River, Mass., 
19 Sep., at an hour when there are over 400 women and chil- 
dren, besides the male operatives, in the building; an intense 
panic follows the discovery of the flames; the elevator refuses 
to work, and the operatives are forced to jump from the fourth 
and fifth story windows; 40 persons lose their lives and 80 are 
more or less severely injured. 

The Lincoln monument at Springfield, 111., is dedicated, 15 
Oct., and the remains of the President are placed in a new case 
and deposited in the crypt. 

The first baloon wedding on record takes place above Cin- 
cinnati, 19 Oct., when the Rev. H B. Jeffries marries Miss Mary 
Walsh and Mr. Charles M. Colton. 

The centennial of the burning of the Peggy Stewart, with a 
cargo of 2320 pounds of tea, in the harbor of Annapolis, Md., 
is celebrated, 19 (Jet. 

John D. Lee, the leader of the Mormons in the Mountain 
Meadow massacre, in 1857, is captured, 1 Nov.; he is lodged in 
jail at Beaver, Utah, and indicted for murder. 

lion. Ezra Cornell, founder of Cornell University, at Ithaca, 
N. Y. (cost $700,000), dies, 9 Dec, aged 67. 

James Lick, of San Francisco, deeds Ins immense estate to a 
board of trustees, and charges them to devote $700,000 to the 
erection of an observatory; $300,000 to found and endow the 
California School of Mechanical Arts; $250,000 to the erection 
of a group of bronze statuary, representing the history of the 
State; $100,000 to the building of an Old Ladies' Home in San 
Francisco; $150,000 to the building and maintenance of free 
batlts; $150,000 to the erection of a bronze monument to Key, 



History of the United States. 239 

1874. the author of the " Star Spangled Banner; " $25,000 in gold to 
the Protestant Orphan Home, San Francisco; $25,000 to found 
an Orphan Home in San Jose ; and $10,000 to the purchase of 
scientific works for the Mechanics' Institute, San Francisco. 

The national expenses for the year are $287,133,873; the deht 
is 32,251, 690,468; the imports are $595,861,248; and the exports, 
$693,039,054. 

1875. The case of Theodore Tilton against Henry Ward Beecher is 

called before Judge Neilson in the City Court, Brooklyn, N.Y., 
4 Jan. Gen. Roger A. Pryor, ex-Judge Fullerton, William A. 
Beach, and S. D. Morris appear as counsel for Mr. Tilton; and 
Hon. William M. Evarts, Gen. B. F. Traeey, and Thomas G. 
Shearman for Mr. Beecher; the opening address for the plain- 
tiff is made, 11, ami the first witness is called, 13. Mr. Tilton 
takes the stand, 29, when Mr. Evarts objects to his being sworn. 
Several days are spent in arguing the question; the court decides 
in the plaintiff's favor, and the examination begins, 2 Feb. Mr. 
Tilton's testimony is completed, 17; the case for the defence is 
opened, 25, and the first witness is called, 2 March; the mem- 
bers of the church investigating committee are called as wit- 
nesses, 29; Mr. Beecher takes the stand, 1 April, and declines 
to swear on the bible; his direct examination is closed, 13, and 
the cross-examination opened; he leaves the stand, 21, the re- 
direct closing at recess; the defense rests, 30; the rebuttal testi- 
mony is then taken; Mr. Tilton again takes the stand, 11 May, 
and denies all the testimony in defense; the taking of evidence 
closes, 13; the total number of witnesses examined is 111, and 
the time consumed in the examinations aggregates four and a 
half months; Mr. Evarts occupies eight days in summing up, 
and other counsel for the defense six more; Mr. Beach occupies 
nine days in his argument for the plaintiff; Judge Neilson 
charges the jury, 24 June; after a consultation of eight days, 
the jury come in and report that they are unable to agree upon 
a verdict, 2 July. 

The State House at New Orleans is guarded by police early 
in the morningof 4 Jan., the day appointed for the opening of 
the Louisiana Legislature. The Democrats charge frauds upon 
the Returning Board, and the Republicans charge intimidation 
upon the Democrats; Mr. Wiltz is chosen chairman, against 
the protests of the Republicans, who attempt to withdraw, but 
are prevented • in the afternoon, Gen. De Trobriand enters the 
House with 'U. S. troops, and Mr. Wiltz and several Members, 
who are claimed to have been irregularly seated, are taken into 
custody and inarched out of the Hall; the Democratic Members 
then withdraw and the Republicans proceed to effect an organ- 
ization; in the meantime, a second Congressional Committee, 
consisting of George F. Hoar, William A. Wheeler, William 
P. Frye, and Samuel P. Marshall, is sent to New Orleans, 2 
Jan. Mr. Wheeler proposes apian for adjusting the difficulties, 
to the effect that the Assembly will not disturb the State Govern- 
ment, but accord Gov. Kellogg all legitimate support, and that 
the House as constituted on the award of the committee shall 
not be changed; the plan is accepted, twelve Members excluded 
by the Returning Board are admitted, a conservative Speaker 



240 History of the United States. 

1875. is chosen, and both branches of the Legislature proceed to work. 
Samuel J. Tilden is inaugurated Governor of New York, and 
pledges himself to an administration of reform, Jan. 

Senator Sherman's Bill providing for the resumption of specie 
payments on 1 Jan., 1879, is passed in both Houses, and ap- 
proved by the President, 14 Jan. 

William H. Aspinwall dies in New York, 18 Jan., aged 67. 
Ex-President Andrew Johnson is elected U. S. Senator from 
Tenn., Jan., and dies, 31 July, aged 67. 

The first train passes through the Hoosac Tunnel, Mass., 
9 Feb. 

Congress authorizes the improvement of the passes at the 
mouth of the Mississippi under the direction of James B. Eads, 
at a cost of $5,200,000. 

A civil suit is begun against William M. Tweed, in New York, 
to recover $6,198,950, April; he is discharged from his cumula- 
tive sentence, 22 June, and immediately re-arrested and held 
to bail in $15,000 on a criminal suit and in $3,000,000 on the 
civil suit; he escapes from the officers of the Ludlow-Street Jail, 
while on a visit to his house, 4 Dec. 

Archbishop John McCloskey is invested with the berretta of 
a Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, in St. Patrick's 
Cathedral, New York, 27 April. 

The various officials of Baltimore take possession of the new 
City Hall, 12 April. 

Prof. S. K. Wells, the phrenologist, of New York, dies, 13 
April, aged 55. 

Oshkosh, Wis., is destroyed by fire, 28 April. 

Hon. George S. Batcheller, of Saratoga, N. Y., is appointed 
Presiding Judge of the new Supreme Court of Egypt, April. 

The railway bridge at Portage Falls, N.Y., the longest wooden 
viaduct in the world, is destroyed by fire, 5 May. 

The Masonic Temple in New York is dedicated, 2 June. 

Rev. Dr. Wood, of Philadelphia, receives the pallium of an 
Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, at the Cathedral of 
St. Peter and St. Paul, 17 June. 

An American team, consisting of Col. H. A. Gildersleeve, 
Col. John Bodine, Major Henry Fulton, Gen. T. S. Dakin, 
George W. Yale, and R. C. Coleman, win the International 
Rifle-match at Dollymount, Ireland, 29 June. 

Hon. Horace Binney, the oldest lawyer and the oldest college 
graduate in the U. S., dies at Philadelphia, 12 Aug., aged 80. 

The Bank of California, at San Francisco, suspends, 26 Aug.; 
on the following day, the Gold and Merchants' Banks suspend, 
and William C. Ralston, President of the Bank of California, 
and one of the wealthiest and most popular citizens of San Fran- 
cisco, commits suicide by drowning. 

The old post-office in New York is grotesquely vacated, 28 
Aug., and the mail- matter and archives are transferred to the 
new structure. 

Samuel D.Tillman, Ph. D., LL.D., dies in New Yorl* , 4 Sep., 
aged 62. 

Com. Perry's flag-ship, the Lawrence, is raised from the bot- 
tom of Lake Erie, where it had lain for over 60 years, 14 Sep. 



History of the United States. 241 

1875. The U. S. S. Swatara leaves the Brooklyn Navy-yard, 80 
Oct., for Para, Brazil, to hringback ex-Confederate refugees. 

The steamship Pacific, plying between San Francisco and 
Portland, Or., founders, 4 Nov., causing a loss of 200 lives. 

Hon. Henry Wilson, Vice-President of the U. S., dies at 
Washington, D. C, 22 Nov., aged 62; funeral services are held 
in the rotunda of the National Capitol and at Natick, Mass. 
Hon. Thomas W. Ferry, of Mich., President pro tern of the 
Senate, becomes Acting Vice-President. 

William B. Astor dies in New York, 24 Nov., aged 83. 

Hon. M. C. Kerr, democrat, is elected Speaker of the House 
at the opening of the 43d Congress, 6 Dec. 

Hon. Benjamin H. Bristow, having been appointed to succeed 
Mr. Richardson, as Secretary of the Treasury, institutes a 
determined war on the frauds which have robbed the Govern- 
ment of an immense amount of revenue . His disclosures of 
the whiskey frauds in the west, which have cost the Govern- 
ment a loss in taxes of $1,650,000 in ten months produces a great 
sensation; John A. Joyce, Special Revenue Agent at St. Louis, 
and John MacDonald, Supervisor of Internal Revenue there, 
are convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, and Chief 
Clerk Avery, of the Treasury Department, and Gen. O.E. Bab- 
cock, the President's private secretary, are indicted for com- 
plicity, the former being convicted, Dec. 

The centennial anniversaiies of the early events in the Revo- 
lutionary war are appropriately observed during the year as 
they occur. 

The national expenses for the year are $274,623,392; the debt 
is $2,180,395,067; the imports are $553,906,153; and the exports, 
$643,094,767. 
L876. Dr. Samuel G. Howe surgeon-general of the fleet in the Greek 
insurrection, a San Domingo Commissioner and philanthropist, 
dies at South Boston, 9 Jan., aged 75. 

Rev. and Hon. E. D. Winslow, of Boston, is discovered to 
have committed extensive forgeries, 24 Jan.; he flees the coun- 
try, is arrested in England, and after a long correspondence 
between the U. S. and English Governments, he is released. 

Gen. O. E. Babcock, the President's private secretary, is 
placed on trial at St. Louis, for complicity in the great whiskey 
frauds, 7 Feb., and is acquitted. 

Hon. Reverdy Johnson, ex-U. S. Minister to England, dies 
suddenly at Annapolis, Md., 9 Feb., aged 79. 

The Old Oak on Boston Common is blown down in a gale, 15 
February. 

An Advisory Council of Congregational Churches meets in 
Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., 16 Feb., to settle points of 
difference in church polity, arising from the course of Mr. Bee- 
cher's congregation. 

Charlotte Cushman, the tragedienne, dies at Boston, 18 Feb., 
aged 50. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Expenditures in 
the War Department, having had its attention directed to 
alleged abuses in the management of the post-tradership at 
Fort Sill, I. T., compels the attendance of Caleb P. Marsh, of 



242 History of the United /States. 

1876. New York, who had received the appointment in 1870; he 
acknowledges the regular payments of money to Gen. Belknap, 
the Secretary of War, in consideration of the appointment. The 
Committee summons the Secretary before it, 1 March, when he 
confesses the truth of the statements; he personally tenders 
his resignation to the President, 2 March, and it is immediately 
accepted. The same day the Committee ask the House for his 
impeachment, and a Committee is accordingly appointed and 
the Senate notified. The Secretary is arrested and released id 
$25,000 bail, 8 March; he is tried by the Senate on the House 
charges and his own confession, and acquitted by a vote of 35 
to 25, 1 Aug. 

Hon. Richard IT. Dana, Jr., of Mass., is nominated for U. S. 
Minister to England, in place of Gen. 11. C. Schenck, resigned, 

6 March; the Senate rejects the nomination, 4 April. 

Hon. Alphonso Taft, of Ohio, is appointed Secretary of War, 

7 March. 

Sister Harriet, the Mother Superior of the Protestant Episco- 
pal Order of All Saints in the U. S., dies in Baltimore, Md., 12 
March. 

Hon. A. 0. P. Nicholson, Chief Justice of Tennessee, dies at 
Columbia, 22 March, aged 08. 

Alexander T. Stewart, the millionaire merchant of New York, 
dies, 10 April, aged 73; the remains are interred in a vault in 
St. Mark's churchyard, on Second Avenue, 13; his will, which 
bequeaths all his property to his widow, excepting $1,000,000 
given to Judge Henry Hilton and various sums nominated for 
his most faithful employes, is contested by James Bailey, claim- 
ing to be a cousin, June, but is subsequently probated. 

Dom Pedro II., Emperor of Brazil, accompanied by the Em- 
press Theresa, arrives in New York. 15 April; they are pi 
sented to the President, 7 May, and, declining national atten- 
tions due their rank, they make a rapid and extended tour of 
the country as private personages, and embark for Liverpool, 
12 July. 

President Grant vetoes a bill to reduce his salary to $25,000, 
18 April. 

The Centennial Exhibition, in Fail-mount Park, Philadel- 
phia, is officiallv opened, 10 May; Theodore Thomas's famous 
orchestra leads the ceremonies; Bishop Simpson, of the Method- 
ist Episcopal Church, offers a prayer, the President of the Boart 
of Finance formally presents the buildings to the U. S. Cen 
tennial Commission, by whose President, after the singing o_ 
Sidney Lanier's Cantata, they are presented to the President of 
the U. S., who declares the exhibition opened. President Grant 
and the Emperor of Brazil then start the gigantic Corliss engine,; 
and all the machinery in the vast place moves. The buildings,, 
cover a space of 75 acres, and aggregate 190 in number, 
including the five grand structures and the buildings of the] 
States and Territories and foreign nations, representing a cosfr 
. of $4,444,000, of which $1,500,000 were loaned by the U.S. 
Government. The Exhibition closes 10 Nov.; it has been visited 
by 9,786,151 persons, of whom 7,897,789 paid $3,761,607; the 



a- 



History of the Unitecc states. 243 

1876. largest attendance on any day was on 28 Sept., when 274,919 
persons passed the gates. 

The Prohibition Reform Party hold a convention at Cleve- 
land, Ohio, 17 May, and nominate Gen. Green Clay Smith, of 
Ky.. for President. 

A National Greenback Convention is held at Indianapolis, 
Ind., 18 May; Peter Cooper, of N. Y., is nominated for Presi- 
dent, and U. S. Senator Booth, of Cal., for Vice-President; the 
latter declines, and Samuel P. Cary, of Ohio, is substituted. 

Most Rev. James B. Purcell, Roman Catholic Archbishop of 
Cincinnati, celebrates his golden jubilee, 21 May. 

Edward Dubufe's celebrated painting of the " Prodigal Son," 
valued at $100,000, is destroyed at the burning of Melodeon 
Hall, Cincinnati, 26 May. 

Hon. J. Donald Cameron is sworn in as Secretary of War, 
and ex-Secretary Taft as Attorney-General, 1 June. 

Hon. Edward F. Beale is confirmed as U. S. Minister to Aus- 
tria, 1 June. 

The Grand Commandery of the U. S. Knights Templar make 
a great procession in Philadelphia, 1 June. 

Rev. William A. Stearns, D.D., LL.D., President of Amherst 
College, dies suddenly, 8 June, aged 71. 

Com. Vanderbilt makes an additional gift of $300,000 to the 
trustees of the Vanderbilt University, in Tennessee, bringing his 
total donations up to $1,000,000 for buildings and endowments, 
13 June. 

The Republican National Convention assembles at Cincin- 
nati, 14 June; Marshall Jewell, Conn., O. P. Morton, Ind., 
Benj. H. Bristow, Ky., James G. Blaine, Me., Roscoe Conkling, 
N. Y., Rutherford B. Hayes, Ohio, and John F. Hartrauft, 
Penn., are nominated as candidates for the Presidential nomi- 
nation. The first ballot shows a strong preference for Mr. 
Blaine; but on the seventh, the Convention compromises on the 
least known of the candidates, Mr.Hayes, giving him 384 votes, 
and then unanimously elects him. Hon. William A. Wheeler, 
of N. Y., is nominated for Vice-President. 

Discovering that official secrets concerning prosecutions on 
account of revenue frauds have been communicated to impli- 
cated parties, Gen. Bristow resigns his position as Secretary of 
the Treasury, 17 June. 

A determined warfare against the Sioux Indians is begun 
early in June; Gen. Crook attacks them on Rosebud River, 17; 
a camp of 2000 lodges on the Little Horn is attacked, 25, when 
Gen. Custer, his two brothers, a nephew, and brother-in-law, 
with 305 officers and men are killed. Gen. MacKenzie sur- 
rounds the camp of Red Cloud and Red Leaf, capturing the 
whole force without a shot, 23 Oct. • the next day, Gen. Crook 
assembles the Indians at the Red Cloud agency, deposes Red 
Cloud, and proclaims Spotted Tail chief of all the Sioux. Gen. 
MacKenzie captures a hostile Cheyenne village of 200 lodges, 
with 500 warriors, 25 Nov. 

William Cullen Bryant is presented with a memorial vase of 
hammered silver, valued at $5,000, by his friends, in New York, 
20 June. 



244 History of the United States. 

1876. A. H. Wyman is nominated and confirmed as Secretary of 
the Treasury, 20, 29 June. 

The Democratic National Convention meets in St. Louis, 28 
June, and organizes by electing Hon. John A. McClernand per- 
manent president; Messrs. Samuel J. Tilden, N. Y.; Thomas 
F. Bayard, Del.: William S. Allen, Ohio; Judge Joel Parker, 
N. J.; and Gen. W. S. Hancock, U. S. A., are proposed for the 
Presidential nomination; on the first ballot, Mr. Tilden receives 
408 votes in a total of 817, and before the result of the second 
ballot is announced, his nomination is made unanimous. Hon. 
Thomas A. Hendricks, of Ind., is nominated for Vice-President. 

William M. Tweed, after his escape from the officers in New 
York, goes to Cuba, and sails thence in the Carmen, for Vigo, 
Spain, 27 July; on entering the harbor of Vigo, the Carmen is 
boarded by the Governor, 6 Sep., and Tweed is arrested; the 
Spanish Government agrees to return him to the U. S. without 
the usual formalities, and he sails on the U. S. S. franklin, then 
homeward bound, 26; he arrives in New York, 23 Nov., and is 
at once lodged in jail: in the meantime, Sheriff Brennan is pun- 
ished for neglect in permitting the escape. 

An extraordinary illumination and midnight torchlight pro- 
cession take place in New York, 3-4 July. 

Colorado is admitted into the Union as a State, 4 July; John 
L. Routt, its first Territorial Governor, is elected first Governor 
of the State, Oct. 

Gen. Green B. Raum is appointed Commissioner of Internal 
Revenue, 26 July. 

The New York yacht Madeleine wins the first of three races 
for the America's Cup with the Canadian yacht Countess oj 
Dufferin, 11 Aug., by ten minutes, and the second, 12, by 27 
minutes. 

The Secretary of War, upon the order of the President, 
instructs Gen. Sherman to dispose of the available troops in 
such a manner as to prevent and punish fraud at the polls on 
election day, 15 Aug. 

Hon. M. C. Kerr, Speaker of the National House of Repre- 
sentatives, dies at Rockbridge Springs, Va., 19 Aug., aged 49. 

A bronze statue of Lafayette, the gift of the French Republic, 
is unveiled in New York, 6 Sep. 

Hon. Henry A. Wise, ex-Governor of Va., dies at Richmond, 
12 Sep., aged 70. 

Rev. Edmund S. Janes, D. D., senior and presiding Bishop 
of the M. E. Church, dies in New York, 18 Sep., aged 69. 

Gen. John Newton, U. S. A., blows up the Hallet's Point 
obstructions in Hell Gate, N. Y., 24 Sep. 

James Lick, the California millionaire, dies in San Francisco, 
1 Oct., aged 80. 

The first cremation furnace in the U. S., is completed at 
Washington, Penn., 1 Oct.; the body of Baron De Palm is the 
first one cremated, 6 Dec. 

The President declares S. Carolina to be in a state of insur- 
rection, and orders troops sent there to preserve the peace at the 
elections, 17 Oct. 



History of the United States. 

1876. The State and National elections are the most exciting of any 
ever held. Federal troops are plentifully scattered throughout 
the Southern States, and strong forces are congregated in Wash- 
ington, D. C. and in New York City. In S. Carolina, Gen. 
Wade Hampton, Democrat, and Daniel H. Chamberlain, 
Republican, are declared elected Governor and both are sworn 
in as such; the State has a dual Legislature, with two Speakers 
trying to preside at the same time, and the members of its 
Returning Board are arrested and committed to the Columbia 
jail. In Louisiana, both political parties invite prominent gen- 
tlemen of the North, and the President sends a committee to 
witness the counting of the votes by the Returning Board; while 
another Presidential Committee is appointed for a like service 
in Florida. The popular vote in the Presidential election, 7 Nov., 
according to the official returns, is: Tilden, 4,284,265; Hayes, 
4,033,295; Cooper, 81,737; Smith, 9,522; giving Mr. Tilden a 
popular majority over all others of 157,397 votes. The Return- 
ing Boards give Mr. Hayes 185 electoral votes and Mr. Tilden 
184; the votes of Florida, Louisiana, and S. Carolina, given to 
the Republicans, are disputed by the Democrats. The year closes 
on the greatest political tension ever known in the country ,with 
the leaders of both parties urging forbearance. 

Congress meets, 4 Dec; Hon. SamuelJ. Randall, Penn., is 
elected Speaker of the House over Hon. James G. Blaine; a 
number of bills proposing a more satisfactory method of count- 
ing the electoral votes for President and Vice-President are in- 
troduced in both Houses, but there is an aversion to action until 
the Visiting Committees return from the South and report. 

During a performance of " The Two Orphans " in the Brook- 
lyn (N.lf.) Theatre. 5 Dec, afire breaks out on the stage; a 
terrific panic is created; the building is entirely destroyed, and 
over 300 persons lose their lives by burning, suffocation, or being 
crushed in the stampede; the remains of 100 unrecognized bodies 
are buried in one large grave in Greenwood Cemetery. 

The national expenses for the year are $258,459,797; the debt 
is $2,180,395,067; the imports are $476,677,871; and the exports, 
$644,956,406. 

1877. Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt dies at his residence in New 

York, 4 Jan., aged 82; he wills five of his daughters $2,500,000 
each in railroad bonds, and, after providing for his other chil- 
dren and a number of old friends, bequeaths the remainder of 
his great fortune — which is said to aggregate $100,000,000 — to 
his son, William H. Mrs. La Bau, one of his daughters, in 
behalf of Cornelius, a brother, begins proceedings to set aside 
the will, before the Surrogate, 14 Nov. 

Messrs. Nicholls (Dem.) and Packard (Rep.) are each inau- 
gurated Governor of Louisiana, at New Orleans, 8 Jan.; the 
Democrats gain possession of all the public buildings except the 
State House, 9, and during that week the Democratic Legisla- 
ture gains large accessions from the Republican body. In ac- 
cordance with President Hayes's " Southern Policy," the U. S. 
troops are officially withdrawn from service in the city, 24 
April. 



24ft History of the United States 

•1877. Both parties in Congress compromise, in the matter of the 
disputed electoral returns, in an arrangement which takes shape 
in a bill providing for the appointment of an Electoral Com- 
mission, to whom shall be referred all over one set of returns 
frorO any one State, and all single returns that may be disputed 
by either party, for decision as to the lawful vote; the bill, 
originating in the Senate, is passed, 25 Jan., by a vote of 47 to 
17, and in the House, 26, by a vote of 191 to 86, and it receives 
the President's approval, 29. The Commission is selected, accord- 
ing to the provisions of the bill, 1 Feb., as follows: the Senate 
elects Messrs. Edmunds, Morton, Frelinghuysen,Thurman, and 
Bayard; the House, Messrs. Payne, Hunter, Abbot, Garfield, 
and Hoar; the U. S. Supreme Court chooses Justices Clifford, 
Miller, Field, and Strong, and these choose for the fifth, Justice 
Bradley; politically, the commission stands, Republicans, 8, 
Democrats, 7. The Commission begins its sittings in the Supreme 
Court room, 1 Feb. , and on the same day both Houses of Congress 
meet in joint session to receive the electoral returns from the 
States; the following counsel appear for the Republican elect- 
ors: Messrs. William M. Evarts, N. Y.; Stanley Matthews, O.; 
Edwin B. Stoughton, N. Y., and Judge Shellabarger, Ohio; for 
the Democratic electors, Messrs. Charles O'Conor, N.Y. ; Judge 
Jeremiah Black, Perm.; Lyman Trumbull, 111.; and Richard 
Merrick, D. C.J the votes of Alabama, Arkansas, California, 
Colorado, Connecticut, and Delaware are read and counted; 
three certificates are presented from Florida, and referred to the 
Commission, which, after hearing the objectors and counsel, 
decides in favor of the Republican electors by a vote of 8 to 7, 
12 Feb. The case of Louisiana is settled by the Commission 
in the same manner, and the two Houses of Congress count the 
vote for the Republicans, 20. The next contest is on the Oregon 
vote, objections being raised to the counting of either certifi- 
cate; the Commission decides by the same party vote that Messrs. 
Odell, Watts, and Cartwright are the legally appointed electors, 
and the vote of the State is counted for the Republicans. The 
S. Carolina case is argued, 26 Feb., with a similar decision, and 
sent to Congress, 28. Violent debates occur in each House, the 
joint-meeting separating twice during the day. Early in the 
evening the votes of this State arc counted fort lie Republicans. 
The counting of the votes is concluded, 2 March, when the 
result is officially announced, Messrs. Hayes and Wheeler being 
given 185 votes and Messrs. Tilden and Hendricks, 184; the for- 
mer are then declared duly elected. 

Justice David Davis, of the U. S. Supreme Court, is elected 
U.S. Senator from Illinois, 25 Jan., and resigns from the bench. 

Col. John O'Mahoncy, the Irish agitator, editor, and trans- 
lator, dies in New York, 6 Feb.; the remains are taken to Ire- 
land and refused burial from Dublin Cathedral. 

Rear- Admiral Charles Davis, U.S. N., Superintendent of the 
U. S. Naval Observatory, dies at Washington, D. C, 18 Feb., 
aged 70. 

Hon. John Welsh, President of the Centennial Board of 



History of the United States. 247 

Finance, is presented with a check for $50,000 by personal 
friends in Philadelphia, which he immediately gives to the 
University of Pennsylvania, to endow a chair of history and 
English literature, 22 Feb. 

Gen. Rutherford B. Hayes and Hon. William A. Wheeler 
are inaugurated nineteenth President and Vice-President 
respectively, 5 March. Congress assembles the same day in 
special session and confirms the following cabinet appointments: 
Secretary of State, William M. Evarts, N. Y.; Secretary of the 
Treasury, John Sherman, Ohio; Secretary of War, George W. 
McCrary, Iowa; Secretary of the Navy, Richard W.Thompson, 
Ind.j Secretary of the Interior, Carl Schurz, Mo.; Postmaster- 
General, David M. Key, Tenn.; and Attorney-General, Charles 
Devins, Mass. 

Prof, A. Graham Bell gives an exhibition of his newly 
invented telephone before a gathering of scientific men, by 
which conversation is carried on between Salem and Boston, 15 
March; at another exhibition, 2 April, a piano concert in Phila- 
delphia is distinctly heard in Steinway Hall, New York. 

The President appoints Frederick Douglass, the well-known 
colored orator, U. S. Marshal for the District of Columbia, 19 
March. 

John D. Lee, convicted for complicity in the Mountain Mea- 
dow massacre of emigrants by Mormons, is executed by shoot- 
ing on the scene of the tragedy, 23 March. 

After a conference with Gen. Wade Hampton and David H. 
Chamberlain, both claiming to have been legally elected Gov- 
ernor of S. Carolina, the President orders the withdrawal of U. 
S. troops from Columbia, 2 April; the troops march out of the 
city, 10, and Mr. Chamberlain surrenders the Governor's office 
and papers to Gen Hampton. 

The Westminster Kennel Club gives the first bench show of 
dogs, in New York, 7-11 May. 

Gen. U. S. Grant, accompanied by his wife and one son, 
leaves Philadelphia for an extended European tour, 17 May; he 
is entertained at luncheon by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, 29: 
after being dined by the United Service Club and a number of 
distinguished Englishmen and Americans, he is presented with 
the freedom of the City of London, 15 June, and entertained 
by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle, 26, During July and 
Aug., he visits Brussels, Cologne, Frankfort, Homberg, lays 
the corner-stone of an American Episcopal Church, at Geneva, 
makes the tour of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and receives 
the freedom of the cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, 
Inverness, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and of the boroughs of Ayr and 
Elgin; he goes to Stratford-on-Avon, 28 Sep., and leaves Eng- 
land for France, 24 Oct. He is received by Marshal MacMahon, 
the President, 25, dines with him, 27, and is given a most bril- 
liant banquet by U. S. Minister Noyes, 29; leaving Paris, 30 
Nov., he visits Lyons, Marseilles, and Nice, embarking at the 
latter place, 15 Dec, on the U. S. S. Vandalia, for visits to Gib- 
raltar, Algiers, Constantinople, Athens, Alexandria, Cairo, 
Genoa, Palermo, Naples, and Malta, 



248 



History of the United States. 



1877. The business center of Galveston, Texas, is destroyed by 
lire, 8 June, involving a loss of $1,525,000 

The Nez Perces Indian war brea^., otti, -lo aune, in Idaho; 
Gen. Howard fails to capture or surprise Chief Joseph; but Gen. 
Miles, with a picked force, follows the Indians so pertinaciously 
that after a severe engagement, the whole war party surrenders 
to him, 5 Oct. 

Eleven " Mollie Maguires," condemned for murder in the 
coal regions of Pennsylvania, are hung at Pottsville, 21 June. 

Right Rev. Bishop Little John lays the corner-stone of the 
Cathedral of the Incarnation, a memorial of the late A. T. 
Stewart, at Garden City, L. I., 28 June. 

A marble reredos, erected in Trinity Church, New York, at 
a cost of $26,000, iu memory of the late William B. Astor, is 
dedicated, 1 July. 

In consequence of a reduction of 10 per cent.in wages, the en. 
gineers, firemen, conductors, brakemen, switchmen, and other 
employes of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad go on a strike, 1 
July; by the close of the week, the strike extends to the New 
York and Erie, the Pittsburg, the Fort Wayne and Chicago, 
the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, the Pan-Handle, and 
Pennsylvania Central Railroads. State troops are called out in 
Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, and Federal 
troops in West Virginia. Engagements between the strikers and 
their friends and the soldiers occur in Baltimore, 20, in which 
several persons are killed and a large number wounded, and at 
Martinsburg, West Va. In Pittsburg, Penn., the troops have 
encounters, 17 and 21; on the latter day, the strikers capture a 
car filled with coke, saturate the mass with petroleum, and 
igniting it, push the car to the Round House, which soon 
becomes a mass of flames with all its contents; between 200 and 
300 lives are lost at Pittsburg, 125 locomotives are destroyed, 
and 3500 cars are burned. Bloody riots occur in Chicago, 25, 
26, that of the second day being a pitched battle in which artil- 
lery is freely used. By the close of the second week, the strike 
extends to all the northern roads, and six States are underarms, 
the troops being used in protecting property and attempting to 
move trains. During the second week, the backbone of the 
strike is broken, and compromises between the railroad officials 
and the disaffected employes lead to a gradual reopening of 
traffic, the withdrawal of the troops, and the return of 84,000 
railroad men to duty. The Pennsylvania Railroad suffered 
more severely than any other, its losses at Pittsburg alone ag- 
gregating $12,000,000, for which it subsequently sues the 
county. 

A canal constructed by the National Government around Deg 
Moines Rapids, on the Mississippi, at Keokuk, at a cost of 
$4,281,000, is opened, 22 Aug. 

Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter Day Saints, dies at Salt Lake City, Utah, 29 Au^ 
aged 76. 

Prof. Asaph Hall, of the U. S. Naval Observatory, discover 
the moons of the planet Mars, Sep., and excites the profound 



History of 'the United 'States, 249 

1877. interest of scientific and astronomical circles throughout flie 
world. 

Most Rev. James R. Bayley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of 
Baltimore and Primate of the Church in the U. S., dies at New- 
ark, N. J., 3 Oct., aged 63; he is succeeded by the Right Rev. 
James Gibbons, his coadjutor. 

Gen. George B. McClellan is elected Governor of New Jersey, 
6 Nov. 

George S. Bangs, originator of the fast mail service, and 
Superintendent of the Railway Mail System, dies suddenly at 
Washington, D. C, 16 Nov., aged 52. 

Moses H. Grinnell, who fitted out Dr. Kane's expedition In 
search of Sir John Franklin, dies in New York, 24 Nov*, 
aged 63. 

The U. S. sloop-of-war Huron is wrecked in a gale near Ore. 
gon Inlet, N. C, 24 Nov., and over 100 lives are lost. 

The President and Mrs. Hayes celebrate their silver wedding 
in the White House, 29 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $238,660,008; the debt 
is $2,205,301,392; the imports are $492,097,540; and the exports, 
$676,115,592. 

1878. Gen. Grant sails from Malta on a trip to Egypt and the Nile, 1 

Jan; at Alexandria, 6, the Khedive offers him the use of his 
palace and a steamer to navigate the Nile. He reaches Con- 
stantinople, 2 March, is dined by the British Minister, 4, and 
arrives at the Piraeus, escorted by three ironclads, 8; the Gen- 
eral and his wife are received by the King and Queen of Greece, 
at Athens, 9, and the ruins of the ancient temples and the Par- 
thenon are illuminated in his honor, 11; two days later, with 
his wife, he entertains the King and Queen of Greece on the U. 
S. S. Vandalia. The party reach Rome, 20, where they are pre- 
sented to the Pope by Cardinal McCloskey and received with 
marks of high distinction, 80. Tne King of Italy gives a din- 
ner, 13 April, at which all his Ministers attend. Florence is 
reached, 15, and the remainder of the month is spent in various 
parts of Italy. The General returns to Paris, 9 May, to attend 
the World's Exposition, and then goes to Holland, where the 
Government has made extensive arrangements for his enter- 
tainment; seven days are passed in this interesting country, and 
lie then departs for Germany and Russia, reaching St. Peters- 
burg,- 30 July, and being received by the Czar Alexander on the 
day following. He is enthusiastically received at Vienna, 21 
Aug., and after spending a few days in the leading^ cities of 
Austria, he departs for a lengthened tour of Spain, Portugal, 
and Algiers, and another visit to Paris. Previous to the contem- 
plated trip to China, Japan, and India, the party start for Ire- 
land at the close of Dec. 

Samuel Bowles, for many years editor and proprietor of the 
Springfield (Mass.) Republican, dies, 16 Jan., after a lingering 
Illness. 

Gold declines to 101J in New York, 23 Jan., the lowest figure 
quoted since 1862. 

The steamship Metropolis, bound from Philadelphia for Brazil, 
with a large cargo of iron and a party of engineers, artisans 



250 History of the United States. 

1878. and laborers, for railroad work, is wrecked near Kitty Hawk, 
N. C, 31 Jan., and about 100 lives are lost. 

Edward K. Collins, founder of the first American line of 
steamships, dies in New York, 22 Jan., aged 76. 

Congress having made an appropriation for the representation 
of American art and industry at the Paris Exposition, Hon. 
Richard McCormick is appointed Commissioner-General, and 
U. S. S. Supply, Wyoming, and Constitution are placed at his dis- 

{>osal for the transportation of American exhibits; the Supply 
oads at New York, the Wyoming at Washington, D. C, and 
the Conttitution at Plnladelphia, and all get under way in the 
latter part of Feb. 

The U. S. Senate, after rejecting the free-coinage clause and 
providing for a conference of the Latin Union States to fix a 
common ratio between the values of gold and silver, passes the 
Bland Silver Bill, 16 Feb.; the House concurs in the amend- 
ments, 21; the President vetoes the bill, and both Houses pass 
it over the veto. 

The Greenback National Convention meets in Toledo. Ohio, 
22 Feb., and organizes a National Party, with Judge Franci3 
W. Hughes, as president; the platform advocates a National 
currency which shall be a legal tender for all purposes, and op- 
poses land grants, prison contract labor, and Chinese immigra- 
tion. 

Gen. Thomas C. Anderson, a member of the Louisiana 
Returning Board, charged with forgery, is sentenced to two 
years' imprisonment at hard labor and costs, at New Orleans, 25 
Feb.; on the same day, a motion is filed to transfer the cases of 
Messrs. Wells , Kenner, and Casenave, the other members of 
the Board, to the U. S. Court. The Supreme Court of the State 
decides, 18 March, that the Vernon Parish returns are not sus- 
ceptible to the charge of forgery, and orders the discharge of 
Gen. Anderson; the Attorney-General moves for a rehearing 
of the case, which the Supreme Court refuses, whereupon 
Gen. Anderson is released and action against the other mem- 
bers abandoned. 

Henry Ward Beecher is sworn in as Chaplain of the 13th 
Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y. (Brooklyn), 1 March. 

Hon. Benjamin F. Wade, ex-President of the U. S. Senate, 
dies at Jefferson, Ohio, 2 March, aged 77. 

Daniel O'Leary, of Chicago, wins the great pedestrian con- 
test in London, 18-23 March, walking 520 miles and two fur- 
longs in 139 hours, 10 min. 

Albert E. Church, for forty years professor of mathe- 
matics in the U. S. Military Academy, dies at West Point, 30 
March. 

Secretary Sherman makes a contract in New York for the sale 
of $50,000,000 of the ty per cent. Bonds for gold, 11 April. 

William M. Tweed dies in Ludlow Street Jail, New York, 12 
April. 

A bill to repeal the bankrupt law passes the House, 25 April, 

by a vote of 206 to 39, and the Senate, 10 May, by a majority 

*. of 5; the bill takes effect, 1 Sep. When it becomes evident that 

the law will be repealed, an enormous number of petitions in 



History of the cnited States. 251 

1878. voluntary bankruptcy are filed in the Northern and Eastern 
States. 

The first tram on the Gilbert Elevated Eailroad in New York 
is run through Sixth Avenue, 29 April, and the first one on the 
New York Elevated Railroad (east side) is run, 15 Aug. 

John Morrissey, formerly a noted prize-fighter, but latterly a 
New York State Senator and Member of Congress, dies at Sara- 
toga, N. Y., 1 May, aged 47. 

By the explosion of inflammable gases, five steam flouring- 
mills at Minneapolis, Minn., are destroyed, 2 May, with a loss 
of 18 lives and $1,500,000 in capital. 

William S. O'Brien, of the California firm of Flood & O'Brien, 
the famous Bonanza kings, dies in San Rafael, 2 May, aged 52. 

Joseph Henry, LL.D., Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, 
dies at Washington, D. C, 13 May, aged 80. 

A $300,000 music hall is opened in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a 
grand musical festival, 14 May. 

The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations submits an elab- 
orate report, 28 May, on the work of the Fisheries Commis- 
sion, which, under the treaty of Washington, assembled at Hali- 
fax, 15 June, 1877, and awarded, 23 Nov., the sum of $5,500,- 
000 in gold to be paid by the U. S. to Great Britain in 
compensation for the fisheries privileges held to have been 
accorded citizens of the U. S. above those granted the subjects 
of Great Britain by the Treaty. The Committee regards the 
award as exorbitant, expresses a hope that the British Govern- 
ment will fully review the case, and recommends the adoption 
of a bill for the payment of the award. 

Considerable excitement prevails throughout the month of 
May by the arrival of the steamship Cimbria at Southwest Har- 
bor, Me., with 660 Russian naval officers and seamen on board, 
the purchase of three fast steamships by Russian agents in the 
U. S., and the mysterious movements of the British frigate 
Sirius, which is evidently watching the Cimbria. 

The Potter Investigating Committee, charged with the inves- 
tigation of alleged election frauds in the South, begins its ses- 
sions in Washington, 1 June. Messrs. Blackburn, Reed, and 
Springer are appointed a sub-committee to take testimony in 
Louisiana, and Messrs. Hunter, Steuger, and Hiscock in Fla. 

William Cullen Bryant, the distinguished poet-journalist, 
dies in New York, 12 June, aged 84. 

The report of the examining committee of Plymouth Church, 
on the charges preferred against Mrs. Theodore Tilton for 
slandering Mr. Beecher, is adopted, 21 Jan., and Mrs. Tilton is 
formally excommunicated. 

The Rev. John Dowling, D. D., a Baptist minister, best 
known for his " History of Romanism," dies at Middletown, 
N. Y.,4 July, aged 70. 

The first resident embassy of the Chinese Empire accredited 
to the U. S., consisting of Chin Lan Pin. the chief, Yung Wing, 
associate, and 36 others, reaches San Francisco, 25 July. 

Evert A. Duyckinck, the popular author, dies in New York. 
13 Aug., aged 62, 



252 History of the United States. 

1878. Rev. John H. Raymond, D. D., President of Vassar College, 
dies at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 14 Aug., aged 64. 

A yellow fever epidemic, in New Orleans, Memphis, Vicks- 
burg, Grenada, Port Gibson, and other Southern cities and 
towns, has caused a loss of 3400 lives up to 1 Sep.; by 26 Oct., 
the cases in New Orleans alone aggregate 12,792, of which 3828 
have terminated fatally. 

Rev. Mark Hopkins, D. D., is elected president of the Ameri- 
can Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions, at Milwaukee ' 
3 Oct. / 

The Manhattan Savings Institution in New York is broken 
into by masked burglars, 27 Oct. ; the janitor is forced to sur- 
render the keys and the combination of the lock, and $2,747,700 
in bonds and $11,000 in cash are stolen. 

Thomas A. Edison, of Menlo Park, N. J., creates a sensation 
in Oct., by announcing that he has at length discovered a method 
of dividing the electric current and its light ^definitely, and 
has perfected a practical system for light' jg dwellings and 
public buildings by means of this current. 

The remains of the late Alexander T. Stewart are 
mysteriously abstracted from the vault in St. Mark's church- 
yard, New York, 8 Nov.; by direction of Mrs. Stewart, Judge 
Hilton offers a reward of $25,000 for the return of the body and 
information that will convict the thieves; the reward is subse- 
quently doubled. 

Gold sells at par on Wall Street, New York, 17 Dec. 

Hon. Bayard Taylor, the well-known author, and U. S. Min- 
ister to Germany, dies at Berlin, 19 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $236,964,326; the debf 
is $2,256,205,892; the imports are $466,872,846; and the exports, 
722,811,815. 
1Q79. The TJ. S. Government resumes specie payments, 1 Jan., without 
embarrassment to itself or the public. 

Hon. Caleb dishing dies at Newburyport, Mass., 2 Jan., 
aged 79. 

Gen. Grant and party arrive in Dublin, 3 Jan., and leave Ire- 
land for London, 9. While on the way to Marseilles to take 
passage for India, the General and his wife pay a farewell visit 
to Paris, and, 16, are dined at the Palace d'Elysee, by President 
MacMahon, who invites a distinguished company to meet them. 
Leaving Marseilles, 23, the party pass Suez, 1 Feb., Aden, 6, 
and land at Bombay, 13, receiving distinguished attention from 
the British and native authorities; departing from Allahabad, 
22, the party make stoppages at Agra, Delhi, Cawnpore, Luck- 
now, Benares, and Calcutta, reaching the latter city, 10 March, 
and leaving it, 17, for Rangoon and Singapore; the arrival in 
Siam is made 1 April, when the American Consul at Bangkok, 
with one of the princes and an aide-de-camp of the King, meets 
him with a Government steamer in the Gulf, and escorts the 
party to the capital. The King showers honors of an unprece- 
dented character upon the General. Hon* Kong is reached I 
May, and the entire month i3 passed in China, considerable 
time being occupied by the General and Prince Kung in discus- 



History of the United States. .*2fia 

1879. sing the question of the status of the Chinese in the U. S., and 
the means of enlarging the commercial relations of the two 
countries. The Emperor of Japan appoints a committee of dig- 
nitaries to receive and entertain the General in his behalf, and 
places the summer palace in readiness for Ids use. The com- 
mittee sail from Yokohama, 14 June, and meet the General and 
party at Nagasaki, 3 July; prefceeding direct toTokio, the Gen. 
is personally welcomed by the Emperor, 4, with a warmth of 
cordiality unusual in Japanese court life. Two months are 
passed in this country, where the citizens vie with the Govern- 
ment in the elaborateness of their entertainments, and on 3 Sep. 
the party sail from Yokohama for San Francisco, where they 
arrive, 20, thus ending the most remarkable pleasure-tour <m 
record. 

The Hon. Morton McMichael, of Philadelphia, "father of 
Fairmount Park," and editor of the North American, dies, 
Jan., aged 72. 

Mrs. Ada L. Anderson accomplishes the feat of walking 2700 
quarter-miles in that number quarter-hours, at Brooklyn, N.Y., 
13 Jan., making her last quarter-mile in 2:37| the quickest 
time of the walk. 

Chief Justice Charles P. Daly, of New York, is elected Presi- 
dent of the American Geographical Society, 14 Jan. 

A bill providing for the payment of arrears of pensions, hav- 
ing passed both Houses of Congress, is signed by the President, 
25 Jan.; the lowest estimate of the amount required to pay all 
claims under it is $80,000,000. 

The subscriptions to the new 4 per cent. Government loan 
during Jan. amount to $158,851,150; during the same period 
Secretary Sherman has called in bonds to the amount of $150,- 
000,000. 

The U. S. Centennial Commission closes its financial affairs 
and adjourns sine die, Jan. ; the total receipts from all sources 
were $11,161,611, and the expenditures, including the return of 
the Government appropriation of $1,500,000 and dividends to 
stockholders, about $150,000 less. 

A billiard tournament for the championship of the world, the 
champion vase, and a purse of $1,000, is won in New York, by 
Jacob Schaefer, 7 Feb., with a score of seven games and an 
average of 85. 

Thomas Lord, the New York millionaire whose marriage with 
Mrs. Hicks created a sensation in American and European 
society circles, ciies, 8 Feb., aged 85. 

The degree of Doctor of Laws is conferred upon Peter Cooper 
by the University of the State of New York. 12 Feb., Mr. 
Cooper's 88th birthday. 

A bill to restrict the immigration of Chinese to the U. S., by 
making it unlawful for the master of any vessel to bring to this 
country more than 15 Chinese passengers, which has passed the 
House after a heated debate, is passed in the Senate, 15 Feb. by 
a vote of 39 to 27; the President vetoes the bill, 1 March, and 
Congress fails to pass it over the veto. During the debate in the 
Senate, 14, Senator B. K. Bruce occupies the chair, being the 



254 History of the tfixited States. 

1879. first colored man who sat orficially in the seat of the Vice* 
President of the U. S. 

Congress meets in extra session, 18 March; Samuel J. Rane 
dall is elected Speaker of the House; in the reconstruction of 
the Senate Committees ail the chairmanships except three go 
to the Democrats, viz: Finance, Mr. Bayard; Foreign Relations, 
Mr. Eaton; Commerce, Mr. Cordon; Judiciary, Mr. Thurman; 
Appropriations, Mr. Davis (West Va.); Patents, Mr. Kernan; 
and Privileges and Elections, Mr. Saulsbury. The South fur- 
nishes 30 of the 43 Democratic Senators, of whom 19 are ex-! 
Confederate officers. 

Gen. John A. Dix dies at his residence in New York, 21 
April, aged 81. 

Both Houses of Congress pass a bill prohibiting the use of 
Federal troops on election days, May; the President vetoes it as 
contlicting with his constitutional prerogatives and as nullifying 
the laws of 1792; the bill fails to pass the veto. 

A great Mormon demonstration takes place in Salt Lake City, 
Utah, 6 May, in honor of Daniel H. Wells, first counselor to the 
Twelve Apostles, for his refusal to reveal the secrets of the En- 
dowment House before the U. S. Court. 

William Lloyd Garrison, the noted Abolitionist, dies in New 
York, 24 May, aged 75. 

St. Patrick's Cathedral, on Fifth Avenue, New York, is dedi- 
cated with imposing ceremonies, 25 May. 

President Hiyes vetoes the Legislative Appropriation Bill, 29 
May, and the House refuses to pass it over the veto, by a vote 
of 113 to 91; under a suspension of the rules, the House passes 
it, 9 June, by a vote of 188 to 22, the negative votes bemg 
Democratic. 

A great sensation is produced in New York, 11 June, by the 
finding of the dead body of Mi's. Dr. Alonzo G. Hull, a prom- 
inent society lady, at her residence, under circumstances sug- 
gesting a mysterious murder; the detectives are baffled in their 
search for the murderer, and appear to be trying to weave a 
Circumstantial net around Dr. Hull himself, when a negro, 
Chastine Cox, is arrested in Boston, 23, and led to confess that 
he committed the murder in an attempt at burglary. He is 
brought to New York, indicted, tried, and subsequently hanged 
for the crime. 

Mrs. Sarah Dorsey dies, July, and leaves by will her beautiful 
house at Beauvoir, Miss., several valuable plantations, and all 
her personal property to Jefferson Davis. 

Secretary Schurz makes a visit to the Spotted Tail Agency, 
and personally investigates the Sioux grievances, Aug.-Sep. 

Daniel Drew dies suddenly at his residence in New York, 18 
Sep., aged 82. 

An Indian outbreak occurs at the White River Agency, in 
Colorado, 29 Sep., when the Utes kill Indian Agent N. C. 
Meeker and several of his assistants, carry the women and 
children into captivity, and kill Major Thornburgh, who had 
been sent to the Agent's relief, with many of his command; the 
surviving troops intrench in a gulch and sustain a heavy fire 
from the bluffs until 2 Oct, wlieD Captain Dodge and 40 colored 



History of the XTrdted States. 255 

1810. soldiers cut their way through the Indian force and relieve 
Captain Payne's beleaguered garrison. Gen. Merritt reaches 
the scene, 5, to relieve the command, having marched 170 miles 
in a little over two days. Gen. Adams brings the women into 
camp, 24, with proposals for peace and a promise from Ouray, 
the head Chief, to arrest the murderers of Mr. Meeker and his 
men. 

Henry C. Carey, the foremost American political economist, 
dies at Philadelphia, 13 Oct., aged 86. 

Maj.-Gen. Joseph Hooker, U. S. A., dies suddenly at Garden 
City, L. I., 31 Oct., aged 64. 

Hon. Zachariah Chandler, U. S. Senator from Michigan, is 
found dead in bed at a hotel in Chicago, 1 Nov., aged 66. 

The Rev. Lovick Peirce, D. D., the Nestor of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, South, dies at Sparta, Ga., 10 Nov., aged 94. 

The national expenses for the year are $266,947,883; the debt 
is $2,219,782,408; the imports are $466,073,775: and the exports, 
$717,093,777. 
}. Contrary to general expectation, the Legislature of Maine is 
organized at Augusta, 7 Jan.. without bloodshed, but not with- 
out scenes of great excitement. Gen. Chamberlain assumes 
control of all the public property and institutions, 9, promising 
to hold them for the people until Governor Garcelon's successor 
is legally elected and qualified. 

The officers of the New York Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Children rescue a number of children from starvation 
and cruel treatment at the Shepherd's Fold, 17 Jan., and pro- 
secute the Rev. Edward Cowley, the manager, to a conviction 
and imprisonment. 

Hon. Alexander H. Stephens makes a memorable speech in 
the House of Representatives, 19 Feb., against the Democratic 
policy of attaching political riders to appropriation bills. 

Congress passes a joint resolution authorizing the Secretary 
of the Navy to transport contributions for the relief of the suf- 
fering poor of Ireland, Feb.; he accordingly selects the U. S. 
S. Constellation for the mission, and she is put into commission, 
18 March. Hon. Levi P. Morton, James Gordon Bennett, and 
Hon. W. R. Grace volunteer to contribute each a fourth part of 
all the cargo she can carry. 

M. Ferdinand de Lesseps is received by the American Society 
of Civil Engineers, at New York, 26 Feb., where he delivers an 
address on his Suez Canal labors and his projected canal across 
the Isthmus of Darien. 

Denis Kearney, the sand-lots agitator of San Francisco, is 
sentenced to six months' imprisonment and to pay a fine of 
$1,000 for disturbing the peace and using language tending to 
incite riots, March. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is formally 
opened, 30 March. 

The Egyptian Obelisk, presented by the Khedive to the city 
of New York, is successfully embarked at Alexandria, 31 March. 
A rumor gains credence that William H. Vanderbilt has 
engaged to pay Commander Gorringe, U. S. N., $75,000 upon 
the arrival of the shaft at New York, for the expense of taking 



256 History of the United States. 

1880. it down and transporting it; the shaft reaches New York, 10 
July, and is erected in Central Park. 

The centenary of the birth of Win. E. Channing, the apostle 
of Unitarianisin, is celebrated at Newport, R. I., 7 April, by 
the laying of the corner-stone of a memorial church. 

Postmaster-General Key resigns his office, May, and is suc- 
ceeded by Hon. Horace Maynard, the U.S. Minister to Turkey,, 
whose diplomatic position is idled by the appointment of Gen., 
James Longstreet, of Confederate fame. 

A Republican Anti-Third-Term Convention is held at St. 
Louis, 6 May, under the presidency of Gen. John B. Henderson, 
to protest against the renomination of Gen. Grant for the Presi- 
dency. 

The centennial anniversary of the settlement of the city of 
Nashville, Tenn., is observed, 17-24 May, the chief event being 
the unveiling of an equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson, erected 
by popular subscription on the Capitol grounds, 20. 

The first national meet of American bicyclists is held at New- 
port, R.I., 31 May, when 31 clubs are represented by 160 wheel- 
men; tbe parade of 145 machines awakens a strong interest in 
this new method of exercise and sport. 

The taking of the Census of 1880 begins simultaneously in 
every city, town, village, and hamlet in the U. S., except ic 
Alaska and the Indian Territory, 1 June; the reports, witfc 
the above exceptions, show the population to be 50,152,866. 

The Republican National Convention meets in Chicago, 2 
June; Senator George P. Hoar, of Mass., is chosen permanent 
president The platform is adopted, 5, and the first ballot for 
a Presidential candidate is taken, 7, with the following result: 
U. S. Grant, 304; James G. Blaine, 284; John Sherman, 93; 
George F. Edmunds, 34; Elihu B .Washburne, 30; and William 
Wiudom, 10. The 36th and final ballot is taken, 8, when Gen. 
James A. Garfield, of Ohio, is nominated, he receiving 399 
votes to 307 for Grant, 42 for Blaine, 3 for Sherman, and 5 for 
Washburne. Gen. Chester A. Arthur, of New York, is nom- 
inated for Vice-President on the first ballot, receiving 468 votes 
to 193 for Washburne, 44 for Marshall Jewell, of Conn., 30 for 
Horace Maynard, of Tenn., 5 for Senator B. K. Bruce (colored), 
of Miss., 2 for Judge Davis, of Texas, 4 for J. L. Alcorn, of 
Miss., 1 for Judge Settle, of N.C., and 1 for Stewart L. Wood- 
ford, of N. Y. 

The Greenback National Convention is held in Chicago, 9 
June; the balloting for candidates begins 11, the first being 
in informal one in which Gen. J. B. Weaver, of Iowa, receives 
i24£ votes; Hendrick B. Wright, of Penn., 126* ; Stephen B. 
Dillaye, of N. J., 119; Gen. B. F. Butler, 95; and Solon Chase, 
>f Me., 89. Gen. Weaver is declared unanimously elected, and 
}en. J. B. Chambers, of Texas, is nominated for Vice-Presi- 
lent. 

The Prohibition National Convention is held at Cleveland, 17 
June; Neil Dow, of Me., is unanimously nominated for Presi- 
lent, ami A. M. Thompson, of Ohio, for Vice-President. 
The Democratic National Convention assembles in Cincuv 




^^v^ve^T 



History of the United Suites. 257 

-i 

nati, 22 June. The New York delegation present a letter from 

1880. Samuel J. Tilden, positively declining to allow the use of his 
name in connection with the Presidential nomination. Hon. 
John W . Stevenson is elected permanent president, and the 
Tammany Hall delegation from New York are rejected. On the 
third ballot, 24, Gen. Winfield S. Hancock, U.S. A. is nomi- 
nated for President, receiving 705 out of 738 votes, and Hon. 
William H. English, of Ind., is nominated for Vice-President 
on the first ballot. 

The bicentenary of the discovery of the falls of St. Anthony, 
by the Franciscan friar Louis Hennepin, is celebrated ~fc Min- 
neapolis, Minn., 3 July. 

Dr. Henry S. Tanner, of Minneapolis, Minn., completes the 
feat of abstaining from food for forty consecutive days, during 
which he lives on water alone, at New York, 7 Aug. 

Gen. A . T. A. Torbert, the famous Union cavalry officer In 
the civil war, is lost at the foundering of the steamship V«ra 
Cruz, off the Florida coast, 29 Aug. 

The 250th anniversary of the settlement of the city of Bos- 
ton is appropriately observed, 17 Sep. 

The 150th anniversary of the settlement of the city of Balti- 
more is celebrated with imposing historical and industrial 
demonstrations, 11-16 Oct. 

The Presidential election takes place, 2 Nov.; the returns 
show a popular Republican vote of 4,450,921; Democratic, 
4,447,888; Greenback, 307,740; and Prohibition, 10,305; the 
electoral votes are: Republican, 214; Democratic, 155. 

Mrs. Lucretia Mott, philanthropist, reformer, and preacher, 
dies in Montgomery Co., Penn., 11 Nov., aged 87. 

Prof. James B. Angell, John F. Swift, and William H. Tres- 
cott, Commissioners Plenipotentiary sent to China in March to 
negotiate a treaty which shall restrict the immigration! of the 
Chinese to the U. S., conclude their negotiations and sign two 
treaties at Pekin, 17 Nov., one being exclusively commercial. 

The Rev. Edwin H. Chapin, D.D., one of the most noted of 
American clergymen, dies in New York, 26 Dec, aged 66. 

The national expenses of the year are $267,642,957, the debt 
is $2,121,481,475; the imports are $760,989,056: and the exports, 
$833,294,246. 

1881. An International Sanitary Conference, attended by representa- 

tives of 19 governments, assembles at Washington, D. C, 5 
January. 

The Egyptian obelisk is set in its permanent position in Cen- 
tral Park, New York, 22 Jan. 

The Rev. John S. Macintosh, D. D., one of the most eminent 
preachers in the Irish Presbyterian Church, accepts a call of the 
Second Presbyterian Church, of Philadelphia, Jan. 

Hon. Fernando Wood, M. C. from New York, and Chairman 
of the House Committee of Ways and Means, dies at Hot 
Springs, Ark., 13 Feb., aged 68; the Committee elect Mr. Tuc- 
ker, of Va., to succeed him as Chairman. 

Hon. James A. Garfield is inaugurated President of the U.S.. 
4 March. The inauguration ball is held in the new building of 
the National Museum, the completion of which has been 



258 History of the United States. 

1881. hastened for the occasion. The Senate meets in special execu- 
tive session immediately after the inaugural ceremonies. The 
new President submits the following cabinet appointments, 5: 
Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, Me.; Secretary of the 
Treasury, William Windom, Minn.; Secretary of War, Robert 
T. Lincoln (son of the martyr President), 111.; Secretary of 
the Navy, William H. Hunt, La.; Secretary of the Interior, 
Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa; Postmaster-General, Thomas L. 
James, N. Y.; and Attorney-General, Wayne McVeagh, Penn. 

The President renews President Hayes's nomination of Hon. 
Stanley Matthews for the vacancy in the U. S, Supreme Court, 
14 March, and the nomination is confirmed after a spirited 
debate, 12 May, 

Postmaster-General James presents a paper to the President, 
28 March, in which Vice-President Arthur, the Postmaster- 
General, and U. S. Senators Conklingand Piatt, of N. Y., pro- 
test against the removal of Gen. Merritt from the Collectorship 
at New York, and the appointment of Mr. Robertson, and claim 
that the Senators from New York should have been consulted, 
by courtesy, in reference to the contemplated appointments in 
that State . As the President does not recede from his posi- 
tion, Messrs. Conkling and Piatt announce their resignation in 
the Senate, 16 May; their letters of resignation are presented 
to the Legislature of New York, 19, and balloting for their 
successors begins, 31; both Senators and their Mends labor to 
secure their re-election, and disgraceful scenes attend the pro- 
gress of the balloting, which continues until 22 July, when 
Elbridge G. Lapham is elected to succeed Mr. Conkling, and 
Warner Miller to succeed Mr. Piatt, 

Ex-Secretary of State William M, Evarts and ex-U, S. Sena- 
tors Allen G. Thurman and Timothy Howe sail for France, 5 
April, to attend the International Monetary Conference in Paris, 
as representatives of the U. S. 

Postmaster-General James begins an investigation into the 
alleged "Star-Route" frauds in the conveyance of the mails, 
March. He issues an order forbidding any increase of sei-vice 
or compensation on any of the mail routes without his sanction, 
depriving his assistants of the power of granting increases at 
discretion. The publication of the manner in which the Star- 
Route service has been " expedited " creates a great sensation. 
Gen. Thomas J. Brad}-, Second Assistant Postmaster-General, 
under these exposures, resigns, 20 April; J. L. French, one of 
his clerks, is removed, 26; and Mr. McGrew, the Sixth Auditor 
of the Treasury Department, who has had charge of the Post 
Office accounts, resigns, 2 June; a number of Senators, Con- 
gressmen, and other prominent men are implicated in the frauds; 
the prosecution of the Star-Route case is placed in the hands of 
the Attorney-General, who is assisted by W.A. Cook, of Wash- 
ington, D. C, Benh H. Brewster, of Philadelphia, and (after 
the accession of President Arthur) George Bliss, of New 
York; the case is dismissed by Judge Cox, 10 Nov., on the 
ground that the proceeding by information cannot be sustained. 

Mrs. Vinnie Reain-Hoxie's heroic bronze statue of Admiral 
Farragut, the first statue ever cast by the Government, and the 



History of the United States. 259 

1881. only statue of a naval officer ever ordered by it, is unveiled at 
Washington, D. C„ 25 April. 

Prof. Henry Youle Hind, of Windsor, N, S., an authority on 
the subject of the Canadian fisheries, creates an excitement, 
April, by appealing to the British Foreign Office for permission 
to substantiate his charge of fraud and forgery preferred 
against the Canadian officials who prepared the Canadian statis- 
tics on which the Halifax Fishery Commission made the award 
of $5,500,000 against the U. S. 

The "(Edipus Tyrannus" of Sophocles is performed in the 
original Greek, with classic scenery and costumes, by the 
students of Harvard at the University, 17 May. 

The U. S. Senate adjourns sine die, 20 May, after confirming 
all the important nominations made by the President except 
that of William E. Chandler for Solicitor-General, which is 
rejected by a vote of 19 to 24. 

The Navy Department dispatches the steam whaler Rodgers 
from San Francisco, in seach of the Jeannelte and other missing 
Arctic vessels, 15 June. I 

Charles J. Guiteau, a disappointed office-seeker, attempts tc 
" remove" President Garfield by assassination, in the waiting- 
room of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Depot at Wash- 
ington, D. C. As the President is about taking the cars to spend 
a few days with his sick wife at Long Branch, N. J., 2 July, 
Guiteau fires two shots at him, one of which takes effect; 
he is immediately arrested and lodged in the District Jail, 
and letters found in his pockets show that he has premeditated 
the murder of the President. The wounded President is removed 
to the White House, and several physicians and surgeons make 
an examination of his injuries and pronounce them liable to 
terminate fatally within a few hours. The intelligence pro- 
duces consternation throughout the country, and all prepara- 
tions for the celebration of the 4th of July are abandoned. 
The surgeons in attendance are: Drs. D.W. Bliss, J. K. Barnes, 
J. J. Woodward, and Robert Reyburn, of Washington, D. C.j 
the clrief nurse is Mrs. Dr. Edson, of the same city; and Drs. 
Hayes Agnew, of Philadelphia, and Frank H.Hamilton, of 
New York, are summoned as consulting surgeons. Amidst the 
prayers of Christendom for his recovery, the condition of the 
President improves and relapses by turns until the close of 
August, when it is determined to remove him from the malarial 
influences of the national capital to the ocean-purified shore 
of Long Branch. A special train is prepared and the journey 
is made, 6 Sep., the distance being covered in about 7 hours, or 
at the rate of 55 miles per hour. He stands the transit well, and 
becomes cheerful when placed in a room in the Francklyn Cot- 
tage facing the ocean. While apparently recovering with 
rapidity, he is suddenly seized with chills, 16, which last until 
the morning of 19, when even the confident Bliss abandons 
hope; at 10 o'clock that night he awakens from a sound slum- 
ber, complains of a severe pain around his heart, and expires 
10:35, after an 80-day struggle for life, in the 50th year of his 
age. The remains are taken from Long Branch, 21, and lie in 
State in the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington until-23, 



History of the United States. 

1881. when funeral services are held. ^ They reach Cleveland^ Ohio, 
24, and lie in state in a memorial pavilion erected on Monument 
Square until 2G, when public funeral ceremonief ve held, and 
the body is temporarily placed in the receiving ,/iult of Lake 
View Cemetery. A few moments after the death of the Presi- 
dent, the members of the Cabinet at Long Branch notify Vice- 
President Arthur, in New York, of the event, and urge him to 
take the oath of office without delay; this oath is accordingly 
administered to him at his residence by Judge John It. Brady, 
between 2 and 3 o'clock on the morning of 20 Sep. The new 
President hastens to Washington and makes a call of condo- 
lence upon Mrs. Garfield. He issues a proclamation designating 
26 Sep. — the day of the funeral — as. a day of fasting and 
prayer throughout the country. 

Guiteau, in his cell, attempts to murder one of his guards, 
William McGlLI, 7 Aug. He is fired at by one of his guards, 
Sergeant John Mason, 13 Sep. He is indicted for murder, 7 
Oct., and brought to trial before Judge Cox, 14 Nov., in the 
Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. The prosecution 
is conducted by U. S. District' Attorney George B. Corkhill, 
and George M. Scoville appears as Counsel for the defense; the 
trial is continued during the remainder ot the year, the prisoner 
being all the time demonstrative and abusive. 

Hon. Ambrose E. Burnside, soldier, Governor, and U. S. 
Senator, dies suddenly at Bristol, It. I., 13 Sep., aged 57. 

Hon. Charles J. Folger, Chief Justice of the New York Court 
of Appeals, is sworn into office as Secretary of the Treasury, 
15 Nov., succeeding Mr. Windom, who returns to the U. S. 
Senate. Secretary Blaine resigns, 15 Dec, and is succeeded by 
ex-U. S. Senator F. T. Frelinghuysen, of N. J.; and Attorney- 
General McVeagh resigns, and is succeeded by Hon. Benjamin 
H. Brewster, of Penn., 16 Dec. 

The centennial of the surrender of the British army under 
Lord Cornwallis is celebrated at Yorktown, Va., 19 Nov., with 
elaborate ceremonies, in which the descendants of French and 
German officers who served with Washington participate. ^ 

The national expenses for the year are $254,817,363; the debt 
is $2,018,869,697; the imports are $753,240,125; and the exports, 
$898,153,891. 

1882. The steam whaler Rodgers, which left San Francisco, 15 June, 

last, in search of the Arctic exploring steamer Jeannette, is 
burned and sunk at her winter-quarters in St. Lawrence Bay, 1 
January. 

Particulars arc received early in Jan. of the crushing of the 
Jeannette in the ice, in latitude 77°, longitude 157°, on the 11 
June last. The crew then embarked in three boats, but were soon 
separated by wind ami fog; Engineer Mellville, with 11 men, 
reached the mouth of the Lena River in one boat, 19 Sep.; 
Subsequently a second boat, with Commander De Long, Dr. 
Ambler, and 12 men, reaches another part of the same river. 
Mellville's party make their way to Irkutsk, and in Oct., two 
sailor's of DeLong's party arrive at Bui cour in search of aid; 
the sailors join Mellville's party, and all set off to rescue De 
Long; nothing further is heard until a telegram is received from 



History of the United States. 

1882. Mellville, under date of 24 March, of this year, announcing 
that he has found De Long- and his party, all dead, and is 
continuing in search of Lieut, Chipp and the crew of the third 
boat. 

Hon. Timothy 0. Howe is confirmed as Postmaster-General, 
5 Jan., succeeding Mr. T. L. James. 

Ex-Judge John K, Porter becomes associated with the prose- 
cution of Guiteau; during the examination of witnesses the 
murderer grows more violent and abusive, and is frequently 
threatened by Judge Cox with removal from the court room. 
Judge Porter begins his final address, 23 Jan.; Judge Cox 
charges the jury, 25, and within half an hour a verdict of guilty 
as indicted is agreed upon. The tragedy terminates 30 June, 
when Guiteau is hanged in the District Jail, 

The Rev. Henry W. Bellows, D. D., a distinguished Unitarian 
minister and president of the U. S. Sanitary Commission during 
the civil war, dies at New York, 30 Jan., aged 67. 

Congress passes a bill giving Mrs. Garfield a pension of 
$5,000 per annum, which the President approves, 16 Feb. 

A fire destroys the business part of Haverhill, Mass., 17 Feb., 
entailing a loss of $2,250,000, and affecting 282 firms and busi- 
ness houses. 

President Arthur nominates ex-Senator Eoscoe Conkling to 
be an Associate Justice of the U. S. Supreme Court, 24 Feb, 
The nomination is confirmed, but Mr. Conkling declines three 
days after confirmation, 3 March. The vacancy is filled by the 
nomination of Judge Samuel Blatchford, of the U, S. Circuit 
Court, who is unanimously confirmed. 

Hon. James G. Blaine delivers a eulogy upon the late 
President Garfield at the national memorial services held in the 
hall of the House of Representatives, Washington, D. C„ 
27 Feb. j 

Congress passes a bill for the apportionment of representa- 
tion on the basis of the census of 1880, Feb., which increases 
the number of Representatives to 325. 

The second trial of the Star Route cases is called in the crimi- 
nal court at Washington, 9 March; Gen. Brady's bail is fixed 
at |20,000, and that of the minor conspirators at from $500 to 
$5,000. Attorney-General Brewster promises to lead a vigorous 
prosecution, aided by George Bliss, of New York; Col. Robert 
G. Ingersoll, a personal friend of the incriminated ex-Senator 
Stephen W, Dorsey, is chief counsel engaged for the defence. 
On the trial the jury render a verdict of guilty against several 
of the alleged minor conspirators, and fail to agree on the guilt 
of the principals, 11 Sep. The Government makes another 
effort to convict the principals in Dec, and the case is hardly 
opened at the close of the year. tf 

Congress passes an anti-Polygamy Bill, drafted by Senator 
Edmunds, of Vt., 22 March, which provides for the punishment 
of polygamy by fine and imprisonment upon conviction, and 
also for the disfranchisement of polygamists. 

Henry W. Longfellow, the world-popular poet and man of 
letters, dies at Cambridge, Mass., 24 March, aged 75. 



262 History of the United States. 

1882. Jesse James, the notorious desperado of the West, is killed 
by the Ford brothers, at St, Joseph, Mo., 3 April. 

President Arthur vetoes an anti-Chinese Bill, restricting 
Chinese immigration to the U. S. for 20 years, and providing 
for the registration of all Chinamen now in the country, 4 
April. A second and modified bill limiting the restriction to 10 
years is approved by the President, 6 May. 

Captain II. W. Howgate, of the U. S, Signal Office, arrested 
on a charge of having embezzled funds of the U.S. in his keep- 
ing as disbursing officer, escapes from custody, 13 April, and 
successfully eludes capture. 

Judge Hunt, Secretary of the Navy, resigns, April, and is 
appointed U. S. Minister to Russia. William E. Chandler, of N. 
H., is nominated as his successor in the Navy Department, and 
the nomination encounters strong opposition in the Senate, 
which, however, confirms it. Secretary of the Interior Kirkwood 
also resigns, and is succeeded by Hon. Henry M. Teller, of 
Col. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson, one of the most realistic of American 
authors, dies at Concord, Mass., 27 April, aged 79. 

A bill for the appointment of a Tariff Commission passes 
both Houses of Congress, and the President, 5 May, appoints 
Messrs, Henry W, Oliver, Jr., Robert P, Porter, Jacob A, 
Ambler, John W. H. Underwood, John L. Hayes, Duncan P. 
Kenner, and Austin M. Garland as the Commission. They 
submit an exhaustive report to Congress, 4 Dec, which is 
referred to the Committee on Finance in the Senate and the 
Committee of Ways and Means in the House. 

A bill to extend the charters of the national banks is signed 
by the President, 12 July. 

The President vetoes a bill appropriating nearly $19,000,000 
for the improvement of rivers anil harbors, 1 Aug., and it 
is passed over the veto on the following day. 

Congress appropriates $57,000 for compensation of President 
Garfield's medical attendants, ami an aggregate of $11,413 for 
the extra pay of the White House employes dining his illness. 

Baltimore institutes an oriole festival, similar to the Mardi 
Grasof New Orleans, 12-14 Sep. 

Philadelphia celebrates the bicentennial of the landing of 
William Peon, 22-27 Oct, 

The German astronomers, Profs. Muller and Deichmuller, 
observe the transit of Venus, at the observatory of Trinity 
College, Hartford, Conn., (i Oee. 

The national expenses for the year are $254,009,448; the 
debt is $1,920, 407,093; the imports are $707,111,904; and the 
exports, $770,720,003. 
1883. The House bill to reduce internal revenue taxation having been 
adopted, is sent to the Senate, where it is recommitted to the 
Committee on Finance, who report it, 4 Jan., with amendments 
embracing a thorough revision <>!' flu! tariff based upon the 
report of the Tariff Commission ; after several conferences the 
bill is adopted by both Houses, '■'> March. 

The Newhall House Hotel in Milwaukee, Wis., is destroyed 
by fire, in which 100 lives are lost, 10 Jan. 



Metory of the United Stat*. 263 

William E. Dodge, a prominent merchant and philanthropist 1 
of New York, dies, 9 Feb., aged 77. 

Hon. Marshall Jewell, of Conn., ex-Governor and ex-Post- 
master-General, dies, 10 Feb. 

Hon. Edwin D. Morgan, war Governor of New York, dies in 
New York City, 14 Feb., aged 72 ; his will bequeaths $795,000 
to various charitable and educational institutions. 

Hon. Alexander H. Stephens, Vice-President of the Southern 
Confederacy and (after the war) a member of Congress from 
Georgia, dies Governor of the State, at Atlanta, 4 March, aged 
72. 

The Grand Jury of Washington, D. C, finds indictments 
against Gen. Brady and ex-Senator Kellogg, of La., for com- 
plicity in the Star-Route frauds, 27 March ; the taking of evi- 
dence in the new trial closes, 12 April; W. W. Ker suras Up for 
the Government, and is followed by Mr. Bliss, also of the prose- 
cution, who speaks seven days, concluding 8 May ; the charge 
to the jury is delivered, 12 June, and the jury bring in a verdict 
of not guilty as indicted, 14. 

James Gilfillan, U. S. Treasurer, resigns, 1 April, and Assist- 
ant Treasurer A. U. Wyman is appointed his successor. 

Peter Cooper, the well-known philanthropist and founder of 
the Cooperlnstitute, dies in New York, 4 April, aged 92 

As Governor of Massachusetts, Gen. Butler begins a crusade 
against the administration of the Tewksbury Poor-house, 
charging revolting acts upon the officers, 18 April ; in a subse- 
quent trial his charges are not sustained. 

A treaty between the U. S. and Corea is ratified at Seoul, 15 
May. 

S. G. W. Benjamin is appointed first Minister resident and 
Consul-General of the U. S. hi Persia, May, and reaches Teheran 
in June. 

The great suspension bridge, spanning the East River from 
New York to Brooklyn, is formally opened, 24 May. Designed 
by John A, Roebling, C, E., work upon it was begun 3 Jan,, 
1870, and prosecuted, after the death of Mr. Roebling, under 
the direction of his son Washington A. Roebling, C, E. The 
total length from the City Hall, New York, to Sand Street j 
Brooklyn, is 5,989 feet; the length of the main span is 1,595^ ft., 
the towers are 276| feet high, and the floor of the bridge at the 
centre is 135 feet above high-water mark; each cable is 15f 
inches in diameter, and is composed of 5,000 wires, each one- 
eighth inch in diameter; the total cost is about $15,500,000, 
which is borne equally by the two cities. 

Through the liberality of W.W. Corcoran, the millionaire of 
Washington, D. C, the remains of John Howard Payne, the 
author of "Home, Sweet Home," who died U, S. Cousul at 
Tunis, 1 April, 1852, are brought to the U. S.; after im- 
pressive services, in which the President of the U. S., his Cabi- 
net, and other distinguished personages take part, the remains 
are finally deposited in Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, D C, 
9 June. 

The U. S, S, Yantie and the Arctic steamer Proteus leave St. 



264 History of the United States. 

1883. Johns, Newfoundland, for the relief of the Gresly scientific 
expedition to Lady Franklin Bay, 29 June. 

At tho close of the fiscal year, 30 June, there are 303,658 
pensioners on the Government rolls, of whom 198,648 are army 
invalids, 74,374 army widows, minor children, and dependent 
relatives, 2,468 navy invalids, 1,907 navy widows, minor chil- 
dren, and dependent relatives, 4,831 survivors of the war of, 
1812, and 21,336 widows of men who served in that war; the 
amount of all tho pensions is $32,245,192.43; the total amount 
paid on pension account during the fiscal year was $ 60,064,J 
009.23, nearly one-half of which was for arrears. The reduction 
in tho interest-bearing debt during the year is $125,581,250, 
which secures a permanent annual reduction in the interest 
charge of $5,923,401; the annual charge on interest account is 
now $51,436,709, a reduction of $99,541,291 in 18 years, during 
which the principal of the debt has been reduced $1,205,340,- 
864. The total coinage at the Philadelphia mint during the year 
amounts to 80,691,282 pieces, valued at $21,483,759. 

The 333d year of the existence of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is 
historically observed, 2 July. 

Captain Matthew Webb, the famous English swimmer, is 
drowned in an attempt to swim through the whirlpool at Niagara 
Falls, 24 July. 

Enoch Pratt executes a deed of the property of the Pratt 
Free Library to the city of Baltimore, and gives his check for 
$833,333 to be invested for the support of the library, July. 

President Arthur opens a Southern Industrial Exposition at 
Nashville, Tenn., 1 Aug. 

The city of Galveston, Texas, celebrates the centenary of 
its incorporation, 13 Aug. 

The celebration of the completion of the Northern Pacifio 
Kailroad is begun at St. Pauls, Minn., 3 Sep. ; the last spike is 
driven at Independence Gulch, western Montana, 8. 

President Arthur officially receives tho Corean Ambassadors 
In the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, 18 Sep. 

The reduction in the rate of letter postage from three cents to 
two goes into effect, 1 Oct. 

The centennial convention of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in America is held in Christ Church, Philadelphia,' 
heginning 3 Oct. 

The Exposition buildings at Pittsburg, Penn., with all their 
contents, are destroyed by fire, 3 Oct , involving a loss of $150,- 
000 on buildings and $800,000 on exhibits. 

The bicentennial of the first German settlement in the U. S, 
Is celebrated at Germantown, Penn. , 6 Oct 

The U. S. Supreme Court pronounces a number of the 
provisions of the Civil Rights Bill unconstitutional, 15 Oct. 

The command of the armies of the U. S. is transferred frori 
Gen. W. T. Sherman, retired apon age-limit, to Lieut-Gen. 
Philip H. Sheridan, 1 Nov. 

Dr. J. Marion Sims, the great surgeon and founder of the 
Women's Hospital in New Yons, dies, 13 Nov., aged 70. 

A remarkable cantilever bridge is constructed acroa* 



History of the mdtecf States. 265 

1883. Niagara River, and a test train of 22 locomotives and 22 loaded 

gravel cars passes over in safety, 22 Dec. 

The importations of crockery during the year are estimated 
at $8,000,000, an increase of $2,000,000 over the previous year, 
due, it is claimed, to the construction of the recent revision of 
the tariff on crockery, which practically gives the English 
manufacturers the advantage of a 10 per cent, reduction in the 
duties. 

The national expenses for the year are $258,570,604 ; the debt 
is $1,873,415,924; the imports are $751,670,305: and the exports, 
$825,846,813. ' 

1884. Dr. Edward Lasker, the distinguished German Liberal, dies in 

New York, 4 Jan. ; funeral services are held in the Temple 
Emanu-El, 10; resolutions of condolence with the German 
people are adopted in the National House of Representatives 
and forwarded to Prince Bismarck, to be laid before the Parlia- 
ment ; declining to do so for political reasons he returns the 
resolutions with an explanation, 16 Feb. 

Julius Hallgarten, a wealthy banker of New York, dies at 
Davos, Switzerland, 7 Jan.; his will disposes of $3,000,000 to 
charitable and educational institutions. 

The steamship City of Columbus leaves Boston for Savannah, 
16 Jan., and is wrecked off Gay Head, southwest end of Mar- 
tha's Vineyard, Mass., 18; of 126 officers, crew, and passeng- 
ers, only 29 are saved. 

A bill to restore Gen. Fitz John Porter to the army and retire 
him with the rank of Colonel passes the House, 1 Feb., and 
the Senate, 13 March; it is vetoed by the President, 2 July. 

Wendell Phillips, the veteran Abolitionist and orator, dies at 
Boston, 2 Feb., aged 72. 

Congress appropriates $300,00u for the aid of the sufferers by 
the western floods, 11 Feb., and grants $200,000 additional, 15. 
A commercial convention between the U. S. and Spain is 
signed, 13 Feb. 

The remains of the victims of the Jeannette Arctic disaster, 
Lieut. -Commander George W. DeLong, U. S. N.; Jerome J. 
Collins, meteorologist; James M. Ambler, surgeon; "Walter 
Lee, George W. Boyd, Heinrich Knaack, Carl A. Gortz, Adolf 
Dressier, and Nelse Ivorson, seamen; and Ah Sam, Chinese 
cook, in charge of Lieut. Harber and Master Schnetze, U. S. N 
reach New York, 20 Feb.; the official reception takes place, 22, 
when the bodies are taken, in a most impressive procession, to 
the Brooklyn Navy-yard, via the East River Bridge; funeral 
ceremonies are held in the Church of the Holy Trinity, New 
York, 23, after which interments are made according to the 
wishes of the relatives of the deceased. 

A treaty between the U. S. and Mexico is ratified d> our Sen- 
ate, 1 March, and by the Mexican Congress, 15 May. 

Cincinnati has a three days' reign of mob rule and terror, 
28-30 March; the trouble originates in the maladministration of 
justice, the particular case being the rendition by a jury of a 
verdict of manslaughter against William Berner in the face of 
the clearest evidence convicting him of the brutal murder of 
William Kirk. The mob first attack and fire the jail, and then 



866 History of the United States. 

1884, bum and gut the Court-house in spite of the presence and bul« 
lets of the militia; 42 are killed, and 120 wounded. 

The steamship Bear sails from the Brooklyn Navy-yard for 
the relief of the Greely Arctic Expedition, 24 April, and is 
followed by the Alert and the Tlietis. 

Brig.-Gen. D. G. Swaim, Judge Advocate-General of the 
army, is charged with having attempted to defraud a bank- 
ing firm in Washington, and with failing to report an army 
officer who had duplicated his pay account; a court of inquiry 
is ordered, 22 April, and it reports, 10 June, in favor of a trial 
by court-martial; the trial opens. 10 Sep., and the accused is 
sentenced to suspension from duty for twelve years on half 
pay. 

Charles O'Conor, the distinguished lawyer, dies at Nantucket, 
12 May, aged 80. 

The National Anti-Monopoly Convention is held at Chicago, 
14 May, and Gen. B. F. Butler receives the Presidential nomi- 
nation; he also receives the nomination in the National Green- 
back Convention, 28. 

The month of May is one of the great financial sensations in 
New York. First comes the intelligence of the failure of James 
E. Keene, who is said to have lost a fortune of $4,000,000; in 
the following week, the Marine Bank, of which James D. Fish 
is president, fails with heavy liabilities; this causes the suspen- 
sion of the firm of Grant and Ward, in which Gen. Grant is 
supposed to be a silent partner, almost immediately , with liabili- 
ties estimated at $8,000,000; and the Metropolitan Bank suc- 
cumbs, 14. The Grant and Ward failure causes the most excite- 
ment as the astounding methods of Ferdinand Ward, the 
active member, come to light, and the connection of James D. 
Fish with the firm is developed. Gen. Grant is induced to bor- 
row $150,000 of William H. Vanderbilt, for one day, but the 
money is received too late to save the bankrupt firm. The Gen, 
mortgages all his property to Mr. Vanderbilt, and is said to 
have lost his entire savings. A relief fund is at once started for 
his benefit, Mr. Vanderbilt generously offering to cancel the 
General's indebtedness to him for Mrs. Grant's benefit, but the 
General and his wife decline. Fish and Ward are subsequently 
arrested, and locked up in Ludlow Street jail. 

The National Republican Convention is held at Chicago, con- 
vening 3 June; Gen. John B. Henderson, of Mo., is chosen 
permanent president. Messrs. Joseph R. Hawley, Conn.; John 

A. Logan, 111.; James G. Blaine, Me.; President Arthur, N.Y.; 
John Sherman, Ohio; and George F. Edmunds, Vt., are pro- 
posed as candidates for the Presidential nomination. The fourth 
and last ballot gives Blaine 541; Arthur, 207; Edmunds, 41; 
Hawley, 15; Logan, 7; and Robert T. Lincoln, 2; Mr. Blaine's 
nomination is then made unanimous. Gen. John A. Logan 
receives the nomination for Vice-President. B.F.Jones, of 
Penn., is elected chairman of the National Committee, and J. 

B. Chaffee, of Col., chairman of the Executive Committee. 
The Arctic relief squadron, consisting of the Bear, the Thetis, 

And the Alert, which sailed from New York in May under com* 
maud of Commander W. S. Schley, U. S. N., to rescue Lieut, 



History ojr ate tfnited States. 287 

)|84» A,W. Greely, U. S, A., and the members of his scientific expe- 
dition to Lady Franklin Bay, find Lieut. Greely, Sergt. Brain- 
ard, Sergeant Fredericks, Sergeant Long, Hospital-Steward 
Beiberbeck, and Private Connell alive near the mouth of Smith's 
Sound, 22 June; Sergt. Ellison is among the survivors, but he 
dies shortly after the rescue; all the rest of the party are dead. 
The relief squadron reaches Portsmouth harbor on the return, 1 
Aug,, where the Secretary of the Navy, with several war- vessels, 
is in waiting to greet the survivors; a grand land demonstration 
in honor of the rescue takes place, 4; the bodies of the dead 
are brought to Governor's Island, NewYork,when, after affect- 
ing ceremonies, the relatives and friends take possession of 
them for burial. 

The National Democratic Convention is held at Chicago, 
opening 8 July; Hon. William F. Vilas, of Wis., is chosen 
permanent president, Messrs. Thomas F. Bayard, Thomas A. 
Hendricks, Allan G. Thurman, John G. Carlisle, Grover Cleve- 
land, Governor Hoadley (Ohio), and Samuel J. Randall are 
presented as candidates for the Presidential nomination. On the 
first ballot Mr. Cleveland receives 392 votes; Mr. Bayard, 170; 
Mr. McDonald, 56; Mr. Randall, 78; Mr. Thurman, 88; Mr. 
Carlisle, 27; Mr. Hoadley, 3; and Messrs. Hendricks, Tilden, 
and R. P. Flower, 1 each. On the fourth day, the second ballot 
gives Mr. Cleveland 683; Mr. Bayard, 8H; Mr. Hendricks, 45J; 
Mr. Thurman, 4; Mr. Randall, 4; and Mr. McDonald, 2, where- 
upon the nomination of Gov. Cleveland is made unanimous. 
Hon, Thomas A. Hendricks is elected candidate for the Vice- 
Presidency. Hon. William H. Barnum, of Conn., is elected 
chairman of the National Committee, and U. S. Senator Gor- 
ham, of Md., chairman of the Executive Committee. 

A conference of the Independents is held in New York, 
under the presidency of Charles R. Codman, of Mass., 22 July, 
at which the declaration is made that the Independent Repub- 
licans will labor for the success of the Democratic nominees. 

The Prohibitionists hold their National Convention in Pitts- 
burg, Penn., 23-24 July, and nominate ex-Gov. John P. St. 
John, of Kan., for President, and William Daniel, of Md., for 
Vice-President. 

The National Labor Party declare their intention of support- 
ing^ the Democratic nominees, 30 July. 

The corner-stone of M. Bartholdi's statue of "Liberty 
Enlightening the World," on Bedloe's Island, New York harbor, 
is laid with Masonic ceremonies, 5 Aug. 

Messrs. Fisher and Mulligan publish the Blaine letters, 16 
September. 

The Prime Meridian Conference is opened in Washington, 
D. C, 1 Oct. 

Judge Gresham, Secretary of the Treasury, resigns and is 
appointed Circuit Judge for the Seventh U. S. Circuit, 28 Oct.; 
ex-Secretary Hugh Mc Cullough succeeds him in the Treasury 
Department. 

The Presidential election is held, 4 Nov., and results in the 
•lection of Messrs. Cleveland and Hendricks. The Democratic 
ticket receives 4,811,017 Douulax and 21ft electoral votes; tbe 



2tt8 History of the United States 

1884. Republican, 4,848,834 popular and 182 electoral \ the Greenback 
and Anti-Monopoly (Butler), 133,825 popular; and the Prohibi- 
tion (St. John), 151,809 popular; the Democratic ticket has a 
plurality of 62,083 votes. 

A reciprocity treaty between the U. S. and Santo Domingo 
is signed at Washington, 4 Dec. 

The marble cap-stone, which completes the famous Washing- 
ton Monument at the national capital, is set, 6 Dee. 

The third Roman Catholic Plenary Council of Baltimore,' 
which was opened 9 Nov., with Archbishop Gibbons as Apostolic 
Delegate and President, closes its sessions, 7 Dec. 

The New Orleans Exposition is formally opened, 10 Dec. 

The national expenses for the year are $254,228,203; the debt 
is $1, 915, 647,059; the import* «ve $695,123,955; and the exports, 
$807,640,992. 
1835. Hon. Schuyler Colfax, ex- Vice-President of the U. S-, dies 
suddenly in the railroad depot at Mankato, Minn., 13 Jan., 
aged 61. 

A bill to place Gen. Grant on the retired list of the army is 
passed in the Senate, 14 Jan , but is lost in the House, 16 Feb.; 
the House passes the bill, 4 March. 

Lucille Yseult Dudley, an English woman, attempts to kill 
Jeremiah O' Donovan Rossa, by shooting him in Chambers St., 
New York, 2 Feb ; he recovers; she is tried for the assault and 
acquitted on the ground of insanity, 30 June. 

The Washington Monument, at the national capital, is dedi- 
cated, 21 Feb., the Hon. Robert C. Winthrop delivering the 
chief oration. 

Hon. Grover Cleveland is inaugurated 22d President of the 
U. S., 4 March. The U. S. Senate meets in special executive 
session the same day. The President nominates his cabinet 
officers, 5, as follows: Secretary of State, Thomas F. Bay- 
ard, Del.; Secretary of the Treasury, Daniel Manning, N. Y,; 
Secretary of War, William C. Endicott, Mass.; Secretary of 
the Navy William C.Whitney, N.Y.; Secretary of the Interior, 
L. Q,C. Lamar, Miss.; Attorney-General, A. H. Garland, Ark.; 
Postma ter-General, William F. Vilas, Wis.; the nominations 
are confirmed, 6, 

The President withdraws the Nicaragua Canal and Spanish 
reciprocity treaties from the Senate for further consideration, 
12 March. He issues a proclamation, 13, warning all white set- 
tlers oil* the Oklahoma country, Indian Territory. 

The Senate approves the convention with Mexico for rectify- 
ing the boundary and for prolonging the term for rallying the 
treaty of commerce, 19 March. 

Secretary Whitney asks lor an accounting from John Roach, 
and institutes an iuvestigatie>n, 20 March, of the Navy Depart- 
ment; tins action is followed by the suspension of Mr. Roach. 

The II. S. Supreme Court declares the constitutionality of the 
Edmund's anti-polygamy bill, 23 March. 

Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Salvador form an alliance to 
resist the President of Guatemala, who crosses the frontier of 
Salvador with 15,000 men, 28 March; the insurgents burn As- 
pinwall, 1 April, and U. S. troops and marine* are sent thither 



-History of the United Stetim. £19 

1885> to protect the communications between Aspinwall and Colon, 3. 
The Central American Republics conclude peace, 16. A treaty 
between the U. S. and the Government of Colombo for the joint 
preservation of order on the Isthmus is concluded, 3 May. Gen. 
Prestan is executed for the burning of Aspinwall, 25 Aug. 

James D. Fish, president of the suspended Marine Bank, of 
New York, and secretly connected with the firm of Gi - ant and 
Ward, is found guilty on charges of misappropriation of funds, 
11 April, and is sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment, at hard 
labor, at Sing Sing, N. Y., 27 June. 

Anthony M. Keiley, of Va., is appointed U. S. Minister to 
Italy, 30 April. The Italian Government expresses its unwil- 
lingness to receive him, whereupon the President appoints him 
Minister to Austria; that Government also declines to receive 
him, upon which the nomination is withdrawn and the mission 
left vacant. 

Ferdinand Ward is indicted for his notorious actions as 
active member of the suspended firm of Grant and Ward, 4 
June; he pleads not guilty, 5; is tried, convicted, and sen- 
tenced to 10 years' imprisonment at hard labor, at Sing Sing, 
N. Y., 1 Nov. 

A diplomatic understanding is effected between the U. S. 
State Department and the British Minister at Washington for 
the extension of the privileges secured by the fishery clause of 
the treaty of Washington throughout the season now opened, 
official notice of which is given, 25 June. 

Gen. U. S. Grant, ex-President of the U.S., dies at Mt. 
Mc Gregor, N.Y., 23 July., aged 63. He had been suffering 
eeveral months with a cancer on the tongue, and his removal 
from his New York residence to Mt. McGregor was for the pur- 
pose of enabling him to recuperate sufficiently from the shock 
of the disastrous failure of Grant and Ward and the loss of his 
own fortune to complete the personal narrative of his military 
career, which he designed for the support of his family. The 
remains are taken from Mt. McGregor, 4 Aug., and lie in state 
in the City Hall, New York, 6; Gen. W. S. Hancock is placed 
in command of the funeral ceremonies, which take place, 8, 
the remains being deposited in a temporary tomb erected on a 
site in Riverside Park, selected by the family and presented by 
the city of New York. 

An attack is made upon the Chinese at Rock Springs, Wyo- 
ming Territory, 2 Sep., when a mob massacres 50 of them, and 
forces others to flee for their lives; further assaults are made 
upon them both at Rock Springs and Seattle, Washington 
Territory, 8; the representatives of the Chinese Government 
at Washington demand that the ring-leaders be punished; 
6 Chinamen are murdered in Idaho, 21, and a second outbreak 
occurs in Washington Territory, 29; the Grand Jury of Rock 
Springs fail to find indictments against the perpetrators of the 
murders, 7 Oct.; the President issues a proclamation against 
Chinese outrages on the Pacific coast, 7 Nov.; the Seattle Grand 
Jury indict 13 persons for anti-Chinese disturbances, 12. 

William Page, the well-known artist, dues at Tottonville. N. 
¥., 1 Oct., aged 74. 



270 History of the United States. 

1885. Flood Rock, near Hallett's Point, East River, New York, is 
successfully blown up by Gen. Jobn Newton, U. S. A., 10 Oct. 
,~ Gen. George B. McClellan, formerly Commander-in-Chief of 
the armies of the U. S. and latterly Governor of New Jer- 
sey, dies suddenly at his residence on the Orange Mountains, 29 
Oct., aged 58. 

Galveston, Texas, has a $2,500,000 conflagration, 13 Nov. 

Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice-President of the U. S., 
dies at Indianapolis, lad., 25 Nov., aged 06. 

The first session of the 49th Congress is opened, 7 Dec; Hon. 
John Sherman, of Ohio, is elected president pro tem of the 
Senate, and Hon. John G. Carlisle, of Ky., speaker of the 
House. 

William H. Vanderbilt, favorite son of the Commodore, dies 
suddenly at his New York residence, 8 Dec, aged 64; he leaves 
a fortune estimated at $200,000,000. 

Senator Hoar's Presidential Succession Bill is passed by the 
Senate, 17 Dec. 

Congress votes a pension of $5,000 per annum to the widow 
of ex-President Grant, 18 Dec 

Prof. John C. Draper, of New York, dies, 20 Dec, aged 50. 

The national expenses for the year are $205,859,012; the debt 
is $1,907,540,580; the imports are $620,719,173; and the exports, 
$784,406,414. 
1886 Senator Hoar's Presidential Succession Bill is passed in the House 
by a vote of 183 to 77, 15 Jan., and is approved by the Presi- 
dent, 19. 

The New York Stats Senate appoints a committee, 26 Jan., to 
investigate the methods by which Jacob Sharp and others 
obtained consent of the Board of Aldermen of New York City 
to the construction of the Broadway Surface Railroad; the com- 
mittee engage Hon, Roscoe Conkling as chief counsel, and enter 
upon the investigation promptly. It is learned, 19 Feb., that 
10,000 shares of the Broadway and Seventh Ave. Railroad Co.'s 
stock have been sold by the directors to a Philadelphia syndi- 
cate; on the following day an injunction is served upon the 
directors to prevent the transfer. A resolution is introduced into 
the Assembly, 23, asking the Attorney-General to take steps to 
have the charter of the Co. annulled. A witness before the 
Senate Committee, 27, testifies that Jacob Sharp has boasted 
that he has " fixed " the Aldermen, and the sum of $400,000 is 
mentioned as the price. Judge Gildersleeve charges the new 
Grand Jury strongly on the subject of bribery, 2 March. The 
Senate Committee make a preliminary report, 9, charging cor- 
ruption and bribery against the promoters of the road. Four 
bills are immediately introduced to annul the charter, Henry 
W, Jaehne, Vice-President of the Common Council, is arrested 
on a bench warrant, 18, for having confessed to Police Inspec- 
tor Byrnes that he had received $20,000 for voting for Jacob 
Sharp's Broadway surface road on 30 Aug., 1884; he is 
indicted, placed on trial, 10 May, convicted, 15, and sentenced, 
20, to imprisonment for 9 years and 10 months at hard labor at 
Sing Sing, Ex- Alderman Charles B. Waite is taken before the 
District- Attorney, 1 April, and after a secret interview,Williain 




GrROVEn Cleveland. 



History of the United States. 271 

1866. P. Kirk, president of the Council when the franchise was voted, 
and James Pearson, an Alderman, are arrested and indicted 
for hribery. William H, Miller is arrested in Florida, and 
James A. Richmond, and Messrs. Michael Duffy, A. J. Mc- 
Quade, R, A. Fullgraff, Louis Wendel, Thomas Cleary, Thomas 
Shells, Patrick Farley, H. L. Sayles, John O'Neil, and Francis 
McCabe, of the Board of 1884, are arrested, 13, and Charles H. 
Reilly, 14; all are indicted for bribery and required to furnish 
$25,000 bail. Under the direction of the Attorney-General, 
John J. O'Brien is appointed receiver of the road, 17 May, 

The House passes a bill to increase the pensions of widows 
and dependent survivors of Union soldiers from $8 to $12 per 
month, 1 Feb. 

Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock, U. S. A. commanding the 
Military Department of the Atlantic, and one of the most strik- 
ing figures in the civil war on the Union side, dies on Govern- 
or's Island, New York, 9 Feb., aged 62. 

Hon. Horatio Seymour, ex-Governor of New York, dies at 
Utica, 12 Feb., aged 75. 

A growing discontent among the horse-car drivers and con- 
ducters in New York is developed early in Feb.; the men on 
the Fourth Avenue line strike against a new time and pay 
schedule, 17, and secure their demands in a few hours; the 
Eighth and Ninth Avenue lines are tied up by order of the 
Empire Protective Association, 18. A more general strike occurs 
4 March, and several roads determine to run the cars at all haz- 
ards, and a few are run with great difficulty under police pro- 
tection ; on the following day all the surf ace roads are tied up. 
State Railroad Commissioner O'Donnell effects an understand- 
ing between the companies and their employes, but it proves 
merely temporary; by the middle of April, the strike so extends 
that only two lines are running. The most determined stand is 
against the Third Avenue line, which discharges all its striking 
employes, hires new ones, and runs its cars with two police 
officers on each, to the close of the strike. 

John B. Gough, the famous temperance orator, dies at Frank- 
fort, Penn., while on a lecturing tour, 17 Feb., aged 68. 

The U. S. Senate passes a bill appropriating $25,000 for a 
monument to ex-President Grant, to be erected in Washington, 
23 Feb. 

President Cleveland sends a message to the Senate, 1 March, 
forcibly stating his views as to the right of that body to demand 
from the Executive the various papers considered by him 
in connection with removals from office, claiming that all such 
information is of a strictly confidential character, to be used 
only for the benefit of the country as an aid to the Executive in 
discharging his duty in the matter of appointments and removals. 
The Senate, under the lead of Senator Edmunds, decides by a 
majority of 1, that it has the right to call for all such docu- 
ments. 

The President sends a message to Congress, 2 March, con- 
cerning the outrages cemmitted upon the Chinese at Rock 
Springs, Wyoming Territory, stating, as his opinion, that the 



History of the United States 

1886. U, S. is not liable either by treaty or international law for the 
loss of life and property, at the same time suggesting that it 
would be in harmony with the common sentiment of humanity 
for Congress to indemnify the sufferers. 

The U. S. Senate passes the Blair Educational Bill, which 
provides for an appropriation of $79,000,000 to be distributed 
among the States on the basis of the illiteracy of persons over 
10 years of age, except in the cases of the white and colored 
schools, where it is to be distributed on the basis of illiterate 
persons of school age, 5 March. 

A general order is issued, taking effect 6 March, directing the 
Knights of Labor to boycott the Gould Railroad System in the 
southwest; as a result fatal conflicts between the striking rail- 
road men, on the one side, and county officials and State militia, 
on the other, occur at Fort Worth, Texas, 1 April, and East St. 
Louis, 9. Boycotting is resorted to very generally throughout 
the U. S. during March and April, the Knights of Labor order- 
ing the majority of workingmen to strike for increased wages, 
shorter hours, or both. 

The Cunard steamship Oregon, with 846 persons on board, is 
run into and sunk by a heavily loaded three-masted schooner, 
supposed to be the Gharle* II. Morse, of Philadelphia, off the 
Long Island coast, 14 March; the strange craft sinks almost 
immediately after the collision; all the passengers, the crew, 
and some of the mail of the Oregon are transferred without 
accident to the steamship Fulda, and sent to New York. 

The U. S. Senate passes a bill for the admission of Washing- 
ton Territory as a State, 10 April, 

John H. Noyes, founder of the Oneida Community, dies at 
Niagara Falls, 13 April, aged 74. 

An eight-hour demonstration is made by 40,000 workingmen 
in Chicago, 1 May; this is followed by a general strike, every 
railroad being crippled and hundreds of manufactories closed; 
the anarchists parade the streets with red Hags, indulge in 
incendiary language, and, precipitating a riot, explode a dyna- 
mite bomb, with fatal effects, in the midst of the police. The 
mob is repressed, 15, and a number of the most violent anarch- 
ists are arrested and charged with the murder of the police 
officers, and with inciting to riot. 

Hon. Grover Cleveland, President of the U. S., is married to 
Miss Frankie Folsom, by the Rev. Dr. Byron G. Sunderland, in 
the Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, 2 June. 

Most Rev. James Gibbons, Roman Catholic Archbishop of 
Baltimore and Primate of the Church in the U. S., is created a 
Cardinal in the consistory of 17 June, and is solemnly invested 
with the berretta in his Cathedral, 30. 

Albany celebrates the bicentenary of its incorporation as a city 
with imposing ceremonies (16-23 July). 

Samuel J. Tilden, ex-Governor of New York, and Demo- 
cratic candidate for President in 1876, dies at Grey stone, his 
country seat on the Hudson, near Yonkers, N. Y-. 4 August, 
aged 72. 



History of the United States. 273 

1886. The amount paid by the U. S. Government for pensions 

during the year ending 30 June is $63,797,831, to 365,783 
pensioners. 

The 1st session of the 49th Congress adjourns (5 Aug.), hav- 
ing passed 987 bills and joint resolutions, and voted 
$264,783,579 for appropi'iations . President Cleveland has 
vetoed 115 bills, 102 being for private pensions and 6 for 
public buildings. 

Eight of the Chicago anarchists are found guilty of murder 
(20 Aug.) ; 7 are sentenced to be hanged, and one to be 
imprisoned for life. 

A hurricane in Texas kills 38 persons (20 Aug.). 

A U. S. citizen named Cutting, having been arrested in 
Mexico and convicted and sentenced for violating a Mexican 
statute for the punishment of any foreigner who, in a foreign 
country, commits a crime against a Mexican citizen, Secretary 
of State Bayard notifies the Mexican Government that the 
application of such a law to a U. S. citizen will not be tol- 
erated ; and he demands Cutting's release. The Mexican 
Government, without withdrawing its claim to try a U. S. 
citizen for an offence committed in the U. S. against a Mex- 
ican citizen, releases Cutting (23 Aug.), as having been 
already sufficiently punished by his imprisonment. The inter- 
national question is thus left unsettled. 

An earthquake shock is felt throughout a large part of the 
U. S., east of the Mississippi (about 10 p.m., 31 Aug.). It is 
particularly severe at Charleston, S. C, where many build- 
ings are destroyed and 61 persons are killed. Other shocks 
take place during Sep. and Oct. ; a large part of the city is 
destroyed, millions of damage being done, and thousands of 
people rendered homeless. Subscriptions for their relief are 
taken up all through the U. S. 

Geronimo and a number of Apaches surrender (4 Sep.) to 
Gen. Miles, on Skeleton Canyon, Arizona, and are imprisoned 
at Fort Marion, St. Augustine, Fla. 

State elections give : in Arkansas (6 Sep.), 20,000 Dem. 
majority : in Vermont (7 Sep.), 18,000 Rep. majority ; and in 
Maine (13 Sep .), 13,000 Rep. plurality. 

In an international contest at New York and Sandy Hook, 
for the America's cup, the Boston sloop Mayflower defeats 
the British cutter Galatea in two consecutive races (7, 11 Sep.). 

A collision on the N. Y., Chicago, and St. Louis R. R., 30 
miles west of Buffalo, N. Y., kills 23 persons (14 Sep.). 

John Esten Cooke, author, dies at "The Briars," near 
Boyce, Va. (27 Sep.). 

A great gale in the Gulf of Mexico causes inundations, and 
Sabine Pass, Texas, and Johnson's Bayou, La., are destroyed 
by the waters, 247 lives being lost (12 Oct.). 

"Jake" Sharp, James W. Foshay, James A. Richmond, 
and Thomas B. Kerr, of N. Y. City, are arrested (19 Oct.) 
on a charge of bribery in connection with the Broadway 
franchise, N. Y. City. 

Bartholdi's statue of " Liberty Enlightening the World," 
on Bedloe's Island, N. Y. Harbor, is formally unveiled with 



274 History of the United States. 

1886. imposing ceremonies, including a grand naval parade and a 
procession on land (28 Oct.). 

Elections are held (2 Nov.) in all States except Maine, Ver- 
mont, and Oregon. The result is that the 50th Congress will 
probably stand : Democrats, 167 ; Republicans, 154 ; Labor, 
3 ; in place of Democrats, 184 ; Republicans 141, as in the 
present (49th) Congress. An exciting election in N. Y. City 
for mayor l-esults as follows : Hewitt (Tammany and County 
Democracy), 90,552 ; George (Labor and Irving Hall Demo- 
crat), 68,110; Roosevelt (Republican), 60,435; Wardwell 
(Prohibition), 582. 

The circulation of the N. Y. World (3 Nov.) is 267,020 copies 
of 12 pages each, weighing 47,069 lbs. The Sunday edition, 
12 Sep., is 255,100 copies, weighing 84,580 lbs. ; the edition 
for 12 Dec. weighed 94,222 lbs. ; that for 19 Dec, 107,876 lbs. 
These figures surpass anything in the history of journalism. 

Arthur J. McQuade, ex-alderman of N. Y. City, is tried for 
bribery in connection with the Broadway franchise (15-24 
Nov.) ; the jury disagree. A second trial is had (27 Nov.- 
15 Dec), and he is found guilty, and is sentenced (20 Pec) to 
seven years in the State prison and to pay a fine of $5000. 

Chester Allan Arthur, Ex-President of the TJ. S., dies 
at N. Y. City (18 Nov.), aged 56. 

Gen. John Alex. Logan, G. A. R., senator from Illinois, 
dies at Washington, D. C. (26 Dec), aged 60. 

1887. The official count on the Minnesota State ticket for Governor 
gives (3 Jan.): A. R. Gill (Rep.), 107,064; A. A. Ames(Dem.), 
104,464; T. E. Childs, (Proh.), 18,966. 

Bishop Horatio Potter dies in New York (2 Jan.), aged 84. 
Edward Livingston Youmans, editor of the Popular Science 
Monthly, dies in New York, (18 Jan.), aged 65. 

Senator Edmunds lays his report on the Canadian Fisheries 
Question before the Senate (19 Jan.\ and introduces a Retalia- 
tion Bill. 

John O'Neil, ex- Alderman of New York, is tried for 
bribery in connection with the Broadway franchise, found 
guilty (1 Feb.), and sentenced (11 Feb.) to 4^ years' imprison- 
ment in Sing Sing, and to a fine of $2,000. 

A terrible railway accident occurs on the Vermont Central 
Railroad near White River Junction (5 Feb.), 35 being killed 
and 35 injured. 

Boycotting is declared illegal in two cases: one in the 
United States Circuit Court in New York City; the other in 
the Supreme Court of Connecticut (Feb.) 

The 49th Congress adjourns (4 Mar.), having passed the 
Inter-State Commerce Bill (21 Jan.); the Canadian Retaliation 
Non -intercourse Bill; the Trade-Dollar Bill (19 Feb.); and 
the Anti-Polygamy Bill (Feb.), all of which become law. 

John Cleary, ex-Alderman of New York, is tried (1-23 Mar.) 
for bribery in connection with the Broadway franchise ; the 
jury disagree (23 Mar.), and Cleary is released on bail. 

The Rev. Henry Ward Beecher dies in Brooklyn (8 Mar.), 
of apoplexy, aged 73. 



